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OFFICE OP THE 

ADJUTAIS-T CxElZ^TSRAZ^ 

RALEIGH. N. C. 



Official Hi^ory of the 120th 
Infantry 

''3rd NORTH CAROLINA" 30th DIVISION 

From August 5, 1917, to April 17, 1919 



CANAL SECTOR— YPRES-LYS OFFENSIVE 
SOMME OFFENSIVE 



By 



Major John O: Walker, with the assistance of Major William A. Graham 



'' and Captain Thomas Fauntleroy 







E JSa-.ajl.:; . , , __^i.,» 

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

JAN 241922 



DEDICATED 
TO 

THE MOTHEES AXD WIVES 

OF 

THE Men of this Eegi]mext avho Died 
IX France 



PREFACE 

This history has heen prepared, under authority 
from Colonel Sidney W. Minor, as the official his- 
tory of the 120th Infantry. Great care has been 
exercised in its preparation, and nothing has been 
claimed for this Eegiment which can not be sub- 
stantiated by records of the Division. 

J. 0. \Y. 



OFFICIAL HISTORY OF THE 
120th INFANTRY 

CHAPTER I 

On August 5, 1917, the 3rd Xorth Carolina Regiment, of the 
Xortli Carolina Xational Guard, was drafted into the Federal 
Service. That day marks the real entrance of the Regiment into 
tlie European "War, in which it was to play a glorious part, reflect- 
ing credit on the Army, the State, and the Xation. 

The Regiment Avas commanded by Colonel Sidney W. Minor, of 
Durham, with Lieutenant- Colonel Claude L. McGhee, of Frank- 
linton, second in command. The three battalions were commanded, 
respectively, l)y Major Don E. Scott, Major William A. Graham, 
and ^^Major AVade H. Phillips. The companies were organized at 
and con.imanded as follows : 

■"A"' ComjDany, Lexington — Captain James A. Leonard; 
"B"" Company, Raleigh — Captain "Walter Clark, Jr. ; 
"C'' Company, Henderson — Captain James W. Jenkins; 
■"D"' Company, Louisburg — Captain Samuel P. Boddie ; 
"E" Company, Oxford — Captain Elbert E. Fuller; 
"F" Company, Franklinton — Captain James E. Whitfield ; 
'"G" Company, Reidsville — Captain James H. Mobley ; 
"H" Com])any, AVarrenton — Caj^tain Edward C. Price; 
'T'" C*ompany, Burlington — Captain James C. Freeman ; 
"K"" Company. Ashboro — Captain Ben F. Dixon ; 
'•J/' Company, Thomasville — Captain Carleton H. Xewby; 
■■^1" C()ni])any. Durliani — Captain Walter E. Page: 

Headquarters Company, chielly from Tennessee — organization 

begun by Major Don E. Scott and completed by Captain 

Thomas Fauntleroy, of Memphis ; 
^lachine Gun Company, Xorth Carolina — Ca])tain Charles F. 

Lumsden, Raleigh; 
Sup]5ly Comj^any, Xorth Carolina — Captain Stephen E. AVinston ; 

and 
Sanitary Detachment, Xorth Carolina — Alajor Abram R. AA'inston. 

It is interesting to note that none of these units, with the ex- 
ception of Headquarters Company, returned from overseas in com- 
mand of the orisfinal commandino- officer. 



6 Official Histoet of the 120th Ixfaxtry 

Coming from the Central and Piedmont Sections of North 
Carolina, and being filled np later on by men from Tennessee, Ken- 
tucky, and Indiana, it was a thoroughly American organization. It 
inherited the best traditions of a fighting stock, who had proven 
their worth in the AVar of the Eevolution and the War Between the 
States. The most cherished records of accomplishments had been 
left untarnished to the younger generation, and their sires and 
grandsires felt, if the opportunity was given, their sons and grand- 
sons would add new luster and new traditions to the old. 

The Eegiment, with the 1st and 2nd ISTorth Carolina Infantry 
Eegiments, composed the Xorth Carolina Infantry Brigade, and 
as such had served on the Mexican Border, near El Paso. The 
Border service having been satisfactory it was confidently expected 
the Brigade would be maintained intact, but changes in sizes of 
units, as a result of this war, upset all expectations. When 
mobilized at Camp Sevier, Greenville, South Carolina, as part of 
the 30th Division, the 1st North Carolina was broken up, part of 
the personnel being assigned to this Eegiment, and the 2nd and 3rd 
Xorth Carolina disappeared, except in the memory of those Avho 
loved them, becoming, respectively, the 119th and 120th Infantry 
Eegiments, composing the 60th (Tar-Heel) Brigade. The 60th 
Brigade was commanded by Brigadier-General Sampson L. Faison, 
a Eegular Army officer, a North Carolinian, and the maker of the 
30th Division. " 

CHAPTEE II 

Camp Sevier, Greenville, South Carolina, named after Colonel 
John Sevier, North Carolina Alilitiaman and Brigadier- General. 
U. S. A., afterwards becoming Governor of Tennessee, was a tented 
camp. The location was ideal, and there would have been no com- 
plaints provided South Carolina had lived up to its reputation of 
"Sunny South." This it sadly failed to do. 

The first units of the Eegiment to arrive, the latter part of 
August, were put to work converting cleared land and cultivated 
fields into drill-grounds. So real training was not under Avay until 
the middle of September, and even then it was constantly inter- 
rupted by moving, due to the increased size of units under ever- 
changing tables of organizations. 

The authorized officer-strength of the Eegiment was provided for 
by the promotion of enlisted men and by a shipment of newly 
graduated Eeserve Officers, "Sears-Eoebuck Lieutenants"' they were 
called. These Eeserve Officers ex^Dected a hostile reception, and 
were gratified to find that their home in the Eegiment depended 
solely upon their individual ability to make good. They expected 
to find themselves in a National Guard organization, with all of the 
widely advertised faults of the National Guard, and they found a 
regiment to which these stories did not apply. They quicklv 



Official History of the 120tit I^FA^'TKY 7 

absorl^etl the traditions of the Eeginient, and found that tlie regi- 
mental idea was — for officers to be obeyed and followed; first, 
Ijecause they had gained the respect, confidence, and love of their 
men ; and, secondly, because of the authority vested in them by 
virtue of their commission. This idea has been the constant aim of 
the officers of the Eeginient during its entire life. 

With the arrival of French and British instructors, schools were 
started in Imyonet, bombs, scouting, etc. All ranks were pushed to 
their capacity. While the hours were long, the time was short, and 
those who were not able to stand the grind, or failed to realize the 
importance of their task, soon fell by the wayside. 

Training was largely centered around ti'ench-warfare, but fortu- 
nately open-fighting was not overlooked, and this forethought on the 
part of those in command proved of value later on and doubtless 
saved many lives in active operations. Much of the trench-warfare 
training proved of little value in active service, as conditions exist- 
ing to-day are out of date to-morrow, but it all served to develop 
I)oth officer and man. This was notably the case in bayonet-training, 
and, while there was but slight chance of Ijayonet combat, it 
developed a fighting spirit and a feeling of confidence as nothing- 
else could have done. 

Training was seriously interrupted about the middle of Decemlier 
by an unprecedented winter — a winter unlooked for in the South. 
As a result, the camp was not prepared for such a condition. Sleet 
and snow covered the ground — men had to spend their entire time 
cutting and carrying wood for heating and cooking, and the little 
opportunity for indoor instruction was of doubtful, if of any, value. 
As soon as the weather pennitted, training was renewed with re- 
doubled energy. 

The first of January. Colonel ]\Iinor and Lieutenant-Colonel 
McGhee Avere sent to a Field Officers' School, in Texas, and Colonel 
Cochran was assigned to the Eeginient, remaining in command until 
Colonel Minor returned in April. Colonel Cochran was a Eegular 
Army officer, and a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute. He 
was an officer and a gentleman, and soon gained the admiration and 
confidence of all ranks. It was a pleasure to have served under him. 

When the Eeginient was first drafted into sei^vice its strength was 
slightly over 1,500 men, and this number was reduced by frequent 
calls for specialists of all kinds. It was, therefore, necessary to fill 
the Eegiment up to strength before it would be fit for overseas 
service. The men first received were a splendid lot from the old 
Slid Tennessee, which had been broken up. Most of these men 
went to Headquarters Company, and this company from that time 
on was largely a Tennessee Company both in officers and men. The 
Eegiment was also fortunate in securing the Tennessee Band, as a 
unit. This band was composed of trained musicians, chiefly from 
^[emphis, and, under the able leadership of Chief ^lusician Harrv 



8 Official History of the 120th Ixfaxtey 

Blix, developed into one of the best bands in the A. E. F. The 
second lot came from Camp Jackson. The officers in charge 
candidly stated that they had picked the poorest men in the 
Division, but with the exception of those who were crippled and 
should never have been inducted into service, they proved by their 
loyalty and fighting qualities that some one at Camp Jackson was an 
extremely poor judge of men — at least of men who could fight. 
Practically all of these men were from North Carolina. The third 
and last lot of men the Eegiment received came from Camp Taylor, 
chiefly Kentuckians and Indianaians. They were a splendid lot 
physically and mentally, and, as fighters, they had no superiors. All 
of these men soon took their place in the Eegiment and found they 
stood an equal chance with the old men of the organization. 

The first of May, 1918, found the Eegiment ready to go. The 
companies were in excellent shape ; the spirit of the men was high ; 
and all were on edge, as each man knew the time was near at hand. 

The special units of Headquarters Company, the 37-mms.. 
Lieutenant Gilliland ; the Trench Mortars, Lieutenant Dayton : 
the Pioneers, Lieutenant Bunch ; and the Signals, Lieutenant Ailor, 
were all in splendid condition, and their state of training reflected 
credit on their officers and on the Eegiment. 

The Intelligence Service, com^josed of specially selected men. had 
been organized. 

Quite a few changes had been made in the Eegiment. Two of 
the more important were: Captain Whitfield, of "F" Company, 
had resigned, and Lieutenant Beck was in command : and C^aptain 
BVeeman, of "I" Company, had resigned, and Captain Eol)ert C. 
Young was promoted to fill the vacancy. 

An Advance Party, consisting of Majors Scott and Graham. 
Captain Boddie, Lieutenants Taylor, "Williams, Eichards, Dayton, 
Dixon, Mason, Green, and Ailor, and a number of enlisted men. 
were sent ahead. And on the 7th day of May, 1918, after a final 
clean-up of all men physically unfit, the Eegiment began to move. 

CHAPTEE III 

]\Iovements of troops are supposed to have been shrouded with 
secrecy, but the thousands of visitors who had come to bid their 
sons a last farewell preceded the troop trains, and the news of the 
coming spread like wildfire. As a result, the passage through 
North and South Carolina Avas a continuous ovation. Each village, 
town, and city turned out to cheer the men as they passed. Half 
of the Eegiment went north via Green wood-Ealeigh-Eichmond, 
and the other half via Charlotte-Greensboro-Lynchburg. The Eed 
Cross handlecl the feeding of the troops, at points en route, in a 
most satisfactory manner. The movement continued for two days, 
the troops detraining at Camp Merritt, a few miles north of 
New York City. 



Official Histouy of the 120th Ixfaxtry 9 

It was thought that the Eegiment was equipped for overseas 
service, but such did not prove to be the case. Practically every- 
thing the men had, in the way of clothing, was taken from them 
and new issued. This meant work without rest for the 1st and 2nd 
Battalions and Supply Company, who arrived one day and were 
promptly told they would leave on the next. The remaining units 
were kept at Camp Merritt for nearly a week, and, as there was no 
room for drilling, practically every man was given an opportunity 
to see a little of New York City. This was a great experience for 
most of the men. 

The entire Eegiment embarked for overseas at Boston — the first 
units leaving on H. M. T. Bohemia, under command of Lieutenant- 
Colonel ]\IcGhee, and the remainder of the Eegiment one week later 
on H. M. T. Miltiades, under command of Brigadier-General S. L. 
Faison. The men were badly crowded on both boats, and the food 
\)\ no means good. The latter was due, in part, to the men of the 
Eegiment not being accustomed to eating the kind of food preferred 
by Australians, and, as l)oth boats had been used in the Australian 
transport service, they had been provisioned to suit those troops. 
The voyage over for both boats was perfect, in so far as the weather 
was concerned, and uneventful save for the usual attacks by sub- 
marines. These attacks were unsuccessful in all cases and served to 
enliven what would have been a monotonous voyage. It is believed 
some of these submarines were accounted for. The troops on the 
Bohemia were disembarked at Liverpool, going by rail to Folkestone, 
and from there to Calais by boat. Those on the Miltiades were dis- 
embarked near London, going by rail to Dover, and from there to 
Calais by boat. The entire movement of the Eegiment to France 
was completed on the 5th of June, 1918. On landing in England 
all ranks were given a facsimile of an autograph letter of welcome 
from His Majesty, George V. 

At Calais, the troops were marched to a British Eest Camp just 
outside the city. Here everything, except the clothing on the men's 
backs, was turned in for salvage. All was piled in warehouses to be 
sorted out by Chinese laborers. Some of these laborers having been 
killed by American sentinels, at an earlier date, resulted in an order 
l)eiug issued requesting American soldiers to refrain from killing 
Chinamen. In this land of killing it seemed a little out of place, 
but it must be remembered a CUiinaman had a greater value in 
shillings and pounds than an ordinary soldier. 

The Eegiment, having been reequipped with British equipment 
throughout — helmets, gas masks, and rifles — marched to the station 
and entrained as part of the British Army. All ranks were much 
dissatisfied, at first, over the assignment to the British Army, and 
for a long time the constant query was ^'AVhen do we go South?"' 
but in course of time it was changed to "We don't want to go 
South." At Calias the distant thunder of guns could be heard, aiid 



10 Official History of the 130th Ixfaxtry 

the nigiitly air raids with the accompaniment of Ijombs, taking their 
nightly toll of women and children, gave the first touch of war, and 
opened the eyes of many to the kind of enemy they were to fight. 
On entraining at Calais the Eegiment had its first experience 
with the famous French troop trains of "JfO Homme or S Che faux." 
Fortunately the introduction was brief — the troops detraining two 
hours later at Audriucq in the Eperlecques Training Area. Eegi- 
mental Headquarters was located at Chateau Cocove, Headquarters 
Company at Grasse Payelle, 1st Battalion at Zutkerque, 2nd Bat- 
talion at La Montaire, 3rd Battalion at Nielles, ^Machine Gun Com- 
pany at Xortleulingham, and the Supply Company at Lostrat. 
Once more the entire Eegiment was together aud training was begun 
again. 

CHAPTEE ly 

In the E]3erlecques Training Area, British officers and N". C. O.'s, 
from the -tth Bedfordshire Battalion, were assigned to the Eegi- 
ment, and. under the personal direction of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Edwards, British Army, supervised the instruction within the Eegi- 
ment, seeing that only the most recent developments were followed. 
The services of these officers and men were of special value in pre- 
venting the wasting of effort on nonessentials. 

At this time the enemy was believed to be preparing a drive in the 
vicinity of Hazebrouck. Another efi^ort to secure the Channel 
Ports. This Eegiment, in case the attack came, was to move hy 
force marches and occupy part of the ""Terdeghem Switch Line."' 
This line Avas to be "held at all cost." Plans were made, orders 
issued, and officers were sent fonvard to make the necessary recon- 
naissance, so as to be able to occupy their proper position in tlie 
line promptly and without confusion. Fortunately the attack failed 
to materialize and training continued. 

An important part of the training in this area consisted in send- 
ing details of officers and men up for periods of a week to two weeks 
with the 33rd and 49th British Divisions. These Divisions Avere 
holding the Ypres Salient. The details AA'ere carried up in old 
London busses which had been in use since the first days of the Avar, 
and Avere still giving excellent service. 

Each man returned with a clearer perception of the Avork he had 
to do, and a fund of stories for his less fortunate comrades. Some 
of the best stories of the Eegiment were collected in and around 
Ypres. Fortunately only a fcAV casualties resulted from these trips, 
as the British troops had been ordered to restrain the natural in- 
quisitiveness of the Americans. 

In this area the Eegiment received British transportation, and 
the Eegimental Supply Service was reorganized to conform Avith 
that of the British Army. This was a most important change, and, 
Avhen put into practice later on, worked without a hitch. 



Official History of the 120th Ixfaxtry 11 

To create a feeling of confidence in the artillery is particularly 
desired in infantry troops, as nothing is harder on their morale 
than to have a feeling of nncertainty as to whether their own 
artillery can be depended upon to shoot where they aim. In order 
that all ranks might see the actual handling of a barrage a 
practical illustration was given, and it certainly had the desired 
effect on both officers and men. 

Sir Douglas Haig and General Pershing both inspected part of 
the troops while in this area. As a result of this inspection, and the 
reports of his officers, the former requested this Division to be one 
of the two remaining with the British Army. While here a great 
many new officers joined the Eegiment. They were part of 
"'Pershing's Traveling Circus,'' and proved to be some of the most 
efficient officers the Regiment had. 

Before the completion of training, the Eegiment was transferred 
as part of the Division to the II British Corps, Second Army, com- 
manded, respectively, by Major-General Jacobs and General Plumer, 
moving up in close support to the 33rd and 49th British Divisions 
in the Ypres Salient, where an attack was expected. 

On the 2nd of July, 1918, the Eegiment marched from the billets 
to the eastern edge of the Foret D'Eperlecque, where it bivouacked 
for the night. On the morning of the 3rd the movement was re- 
sumed, and the night of the 3rd was spent at Rubrouck. On the 
morning of the 4th of July part of the Division crossed into 
Belgium — the first American troops in the little kingdom. This 
Eegiment marched to Herzeele where it remained for five "days in 
training. AYhen the Eegiment entered this village Belgian and 
French flags were flying from the houses in honor of the American 
holiday. At Herzeele the officers and men, sent from the States as 
an Advance Party, rejoined their organizations. Prior to this the 
1st Battalion had been commanded by Captain Leonard and the 
2nd Battalion by Captain Fuller. 

On leaving Herzeele the Eegiment marched to "Boad and Ball 
Camps." These two camps were two and three miles north of 
"Watou. They would accommodate about 4,000 men in huts, each 
hut holding about 30 men. The huts were constructed from sheet 
iron and known as "iSTisson huts." After the camps had been 
thoroughly cleaned they made very comfortable quarters. Every 
precaution had to be taken in this area with lights, as enemy bomb- 
ing planes were over every favorable night, and, while the entire 
country was believed to be infested with spies, these camps were, 
for some reason, never bombed, though offering an excellent target. 

What was known as phase "B" of training was begun imme- 
diately upon arrival in this area. This training was arranged so as 
to give the Eegiment the maximum amount of actual front line 
experience, and at the same time holding out a sufficient number of 
troops to complete and occupy the East Poperinghe Line, which line 



l".^ Official Histoey of the ISOth Ixfaxti;y 

was to be held by Americans should the enemy attack aljout the 
middle of July as was expected. For the purpose of carrying- on 
this training the 60th Brigade was attached to the 33rd British 
Division, commanded Ijy General Penny, and this Eegiment feels 
deeply indebted to the officers and men of this British Division for 
their never-failing willingness to render eveiy i^ossible assistance to 
this Eegiment. 

It w^as necessary, shortly after the Eegiment arrived at "Eoad 
Camj)," to send the 1st and 3rd Battalions, under command of 
j\Iajor Phillips, back to Eecques to complete their firing. The 
iDattalions moved by train from Proven to Audriucq, returning the 
same way, on the 19th of July. 

Under phase "B" of training each battalion would spend eight 
days in "Eoad Camp," eight days in the "Blue" or East Poperinghe 
Line, and eight days in the front system. During the period of 
eight days in the front system, for two days and nights the men 
* were distributed among the British troops, two days and nights 
platoons were distrilnited among the British, two days and nights 
companies were distril)uted the same way, and the last two days and 
nights the sector was taken over by the battalion. The reserve and 
support battalions were used to complete the East and West 
Poperinghe Systems. The entire plan was carried out successfully. 
The 2nd, 1st, and 3rd Battalions, in order named, were sent through 
the course,- beginning the nights of the 16th and ITth of July. 
While holding the "Blue Line," momentarily expecting an attack, 
one of the Ijattalions was aroused in the early hours by the bursting 
of grenades. Every one was "turned out" quickly, expecting to find 
the enemy coming through the wire, only to learn one Private Ball, 
having become weary on a lonely post, had gathered together a 
quantity of grenades, and for his own amusement Avas putting down, 
as he termed it, a "hand gunnade barrage." 

Troops were moved into the forward area by marching, guides 
l)eing furnished by the British Units ; when the tour v/as completed, 
the battalion was entrained on a light railway near Ypres, detrain- 
ing at Eemy Siding, two miles south of Poperinghe and marching 
to "Eoad Camp." During this phase of training the Machine Gun 
• Company was under the direction of the Division Machine Gun 
Officer, and was attached for training to the British Machine Gun 
Battalion. The Trench ]\Iortar Battery was attached, one team at 
a time, to the 19th and 98th T. M. B.'s. The 37-inm. Platoon, 
there is no similar unit in the British Armv, was attached, from 
August 7th to 11th, to the 33rd British Machine Gun Corps. The 
Pioneers was attached, for nearly a month, to the 18th Middlesex 
Pioneer Eegiment, and took part with this Eegiment in the con- 
solidation of Scottish Woods, which had been taken by the British. 
The Signal Platoon, which had been reinforced by a i^latoon from 
the 105th Field Signal Battalion, under command of Lieutenant 



Official Histoey of the 1'20tii Ixfaxtry 13 

"Workman, was divided l:>etween the battalions and trained with the 
Ijattalion. The Sanitary Detachments were with their respective 
battalions. The Band was not permitted to go forward, musicians 
are too hard to replace, and of too great value in maintaining the 
morale of the men. The Supply Detachments of each battalion 
went as far forward as possible each night with food and water, and 
at designated points they were met by carrying parties from each 
platoon or company. During this phase of training units in the 
line were not permitted to participate in trench raids, but were 
permitted and encouraged to actively patrol Xo Man's Land at all 
times. Several successful skirmishes were had with the enemy, who 
tried on several occasions to rush the outpost line, but no prisoners 
were lost and none were taken. 

An interesting event to American troops, while at "Eoad Camp," 
was an inspection by King George. His coming was a profound 
secret, known only to a few, but the ''underground route" soon 
spread the news. Everything was "shined up." The men Avho 
were not to be inspected lined the road so as to have a glimpse of 
His jMajesty. The troops were formed without arms, such being the 
custom, but the men believed the British were afraid some of them 
would take a "pot shot" at their ruler. At the time appointed a 
long line of motors drove up, and from one flying a miniature 
"Eoyal Standard" the King descended. Accompanied by a galaxy 
of British officers, the Division and Brigade commanders of the 
30th Division, and the regimental commanders, who joined the 
party as it passed in front of the officers of the Division, the King 
quickly inspected the front rank of the troops in formation. It was 
all over in a few minutes — he came, he saw, and he departed amid 
the cheers of the troops. 

Another memorable incident was a visit by Elsie Janis, who "put 
on" her "show" at Watou. Unfortunately two battalions were in 
the line — so only a small part of the Eegiment were fortunate 
enough to see this "regular fellow," who was the only entertainer 
not overlooking the existence of this Eegiment from June to 
Xovember. Those who witnessed the performance will long remem- 
Ijer it as the only Int of cheer brought to the Eegiment when it was 
most needed. 

During this period Major-General E. M. Lewis, who had com- 
manded the Infantry Brigade of the 2nd Division, assumed com- 
mand of the Division. General Faison returned to the Brigade and 
Colonel Minor to the Eegiment. Lieutenant-Colonel McGhee was 
transferred to the port of Calais. Major Phillips went to the Claims 
Department, Captains Mobley and Fuller to the Service of Supply, 
C^aptain Walter Clark, Jr., to the Line School, and afterwards to 
the Staff College. Captain Xewby, Lieutenants Stegall, Gray, and 
McEae were returned in a higher grade to the States to assist in 



14 Official History of the 120th Ixfaxtry 

training a new Division. Captain S. P. Bodclie was put in com- 
mand of 3rd Battalion, and the other vacancies were filled by the 
senior officer with the Company. 

CHAPTEE V 

The training of the Division was finished. It was now ready to 
fight alone — so arrangements were made to take over the "Canal 
Sector" of the Ypres Salient, or simply "The Salient," as it is com- 
monly called, from the 33rd British Division. This sector extended 
from Zillebeke Lake, which had at one time been the chief water 
supply for the ancient City of Ypres, iDut was now empty of water, 
and located just a little northeast of Lille Gate ; hence southeast 
for 2,400 meters to the vicinity of the City of Voormezeele. The 
ground was very low, easily flooded, and the water so near the sur- 
face that each shell hole became a little pool. All of the high 
ground. Observatory Ridge, Passchendaele Ridge, and the famous 
Mont Kimmel, was held by the enemy. These points of observation 
enabled the enemy to detect any movement within the sector, and, as 
a result, daylight movement was of necessity reduced to a minimum, 
for even small parties would provoke instant and heavy shelling. 
The Salient was so deep and so narrow it was subjected to shell-fire 
from front, flanks, and rear. Oftentimes the men in the forward 
systems believed they were being shelled by their own artillery, when 
as a matter of fact the shells were from enemy guns on our right 
and rear. 

The entire sector is a ghastly monument to the tenacity and 
courage of the British soldiers. For four long years they held it 
against bitter attacks by a determined enemy; to-day it is conse- 
crated ground made sacred by the bodies of hundreds of thousands 
of Britain's finest sons ; and the few x4mericans who lie "where 
poppies bloom" died not for humanity alone, for in dying they 
In'ought closer the bonds of blood which unite the two great nations. 
Knowing its history it seemed a grave responsibility for new and 
untried troops, though it was an honor to be considered worthy of 
the trust. 

The relief was to be made on the night of the 17-18 of August. 
The 60th Brigade relieving the 33rd British Division, the 59th 
Brigade being in reserve. This Regiment took over from the 
16th King's Royal Rifle Corps the 2nd Worcestershires, the 9th 
Highland Light Infantry, the Yorshire Dragoons, and the 100th 
Trench Mortar Batteryj all of the 100th Brigade British, com- 
manded by Brigadier-General Baird, and, on the left of the sector, 
the 119th Infantry taking over the right of the sector. On the 
afternoon of the 16th the Regiment marched from "Road and Ball 
Camps," the 1st and 2nd Battalions occupying what is known as 
the "Yellow Line," and the 3rd Battalion occupying the "Blue 



Official Histoey of the 120tii Infantry 15 

Line." Both of these lines were reserve lines. Advance parties had 
been sent forward to familiarize themselves with the sector, and to 
make any detailed arrangements necessary for the relief. On the 
evening of the 17th the 1st and 2nd Battalions moved foru^ard from 
the "Yellow Line" — ^the 3rd Battalion occupying the vacated posi- 
tion. British guides met the relieving troops at Vlamertinghe Mill 
at 7:15 p. m. ; at 9:00 p. m. Eegimental Headquarters closed at 
Chateau Elizaljeth, near Poperinghe, and reopened a short while 
after at "Pulse Farm." The night was frightfully dark, and it 
would have been no surprise if the relief had not been completed 
that night, but, thanks to careful arrangements, 1 :00 a. :sl. saw the 
last of the British depart. The "Bloody Salient," so long British, 
was now American in part. 

The 1st Battalion was on the right — headquarters at Belgian 
Battery Corner: 2n(l Battalion on the left — headquarters near 
Kruistraat; both battalions with one company in front and outpost 
line — one company in support and two companies in reserve. This 
disposition was later changed to the one shown on map. The 3rd 
Battalion, as part of the Brigade Eeserve, in "Yellow Line," with 
headquarters at Erie Farm. The Trench Mortars and observers 
took over the positions held by the British. The Pioneers and 
.Signals were apportioned between the l)attalions. The Machine 
Gun Company relieved the British ^lachine Gun Company under 
the direction of the Divisional Machine Gun Officer. 

The policy of the Eegiment was to be one of aggression. Su- 
premacy in No Man's Land was to be secured and held. To this 
end the entire front was covered with strong patrols each night. 
Xo prisoners had been taken for quite a number of weeks, in spite 
of every effort, and as a result no one knew exactly the condition in 
front of the Eegiment. The enemy system of defense was one of 
machine gun outpost, Avhich were shifted every night, and a few 
fixed positions fortified and strongly held. The defense of the 
sector was based on two contingencies : First, in case an attack was 
expected; second, in case of a surprise attack. Should an attack 
be expected all of the troops were to be withdrawn from the front 
system to the support lines, with the exception of certain strong 
points or centers of resistance such as "Bedford House" and "Swan 
Chateau." These centers were to hold on until counter attacks 
could 1)e organized and launched from the support line. Should 
the attack he in the nature of surprise each line was to be held until 
every man was killed. The British Artillery, covering the front, 
was active at all times, shelling the enemy back-areas and engaged 
in counter battery work both day and night. 

Beyond skirmishes between patrols and outpost everything in the 
sector was normal. On the 20th the troops were withdrawn from 
the outpost system to enaljle the heavy artillery to put down a 
destructive fire on certain strong positions of the enemy which 



16 Official Histoky of the 120th Infantry 

were uncomfortably near the line. i\irplane photos, taken after the 
shelling, revealed considerable damage. The lines were reoccupied 
without opposition. On the night of August 22-23 the 3rd Bat- 
talion relieved the 1st Battalion — the latter going to the "Yellow 
Line.'' 

Shortly after the 3rd Battalion took over they sent in the first 
prisoner captured by the Division — a Chinaman, and from the ex- 
citement produced at Army Headquarters one would have thought 
the Chinese Army had been identified on the Western Front. Xo 
information could be obtained, as his English vocal)ulary was 
limited to "Yes" and "Calais," so he was sent to the rear accom- 
panied by the following note from the Battalion Commander: 
"Here is a Chinaman, captured near Post Xo. 5. He is either on 
leave or A. AV. 0. L. In either case he picked a damn l)ad place to 
spend it. Boddie." 

On the night of i\.ugust 28-29 the 1st Battalion relieved the 2nd 
Battalion — the latter moving to the position vacated by the 
1st Battalion. 

On the night of August 26th a cloud gas attack was made on 
the front of this Eegiment. The attack was handled by the lOoth 
Engineer Eegiment. This Eegiment furnished 400 men to assist. 
2,520 cylinders of gas, phosgene, and chlorine on nine trains of 
seven three-ton truck each Avere conveyed by Light Eailway to 
Trois Eois Spur. From here the cars were pushed In^ hand to 
positions just behind the outpost line. All troops were withdrawn 
from the outpost line. At 3 :00 a. ]si., with the wind blowing al^out 
four miles per hour directly towards the enemy lines, the gas was 
released simultaneously from all cylinders. The enemy imme- 
diately sent up hundreds of lights of every description and opened 
fire with machine guns over the entire front. These latter gradu- 
ally died out as the gas cloud rolled over them. It was a beautiful 
sight and a successful attack, Imt prisoners taken later on stated 
there were no casualties beyond a few horses. The outpost line was 
reoccupied the following night. 

All arrangements had been completed for the relief of this 
Eegiment In- the 117th Infantry on the night of September 1-2. 
but, on account of increased activity on this front, the relief was 
cancelled. On August 31st the enemy was reported as withdrawing 
on the front of the II British Corps. All troops forming a part of 
this corps were directed to establish touch with the enemy at once 
and ascertain if this report was true. Two strong combat patrols 
were sent over about the middle of the day from each l^attalion. 
They were ordered to proceed as far as Middlesex Eoad. and if the 
enemy was not in strength to establish a new outpost line along that 
road ; but, most important of all, prisoners for identification and 
information were desired. The enemy was developed in strength 
along the entire front so the patrols returned with few casualties to 



Official History of the 120ti-i Infantry 17 

the original lines. One of the patrols from the 1st Battalion, nnder 
command of Lieutenant Boyd, secured 14 prisoners — the first taken 
by the Eegiment. These prisoners furnished a great deal of valuable 
information and identified the unit on the front. 

On the morning of September 1st an attack was made by the 
Second British Army. The 1st and 3rd Battalions, this Eegiment, 
was ordered to push forward 100 to 1,000 yards, establishing a new 
line from Lock JSTo. 8 on Canal, running north of Lankhof Farm to 
Zillebeke Lake. The principal objective was Lankhof Farm, a 
strongly fortified position surrounded by a moat. The fighting was 
veiy bitter, but, with the cooperation of the artillery, who niarp.;:^ 
tained close liaison with the commanding officer of the lertTT^at- 
talion, the new line was taken and consolidated, for the consolida- 
tion troops were sent up from the 2nd Battalion and from the 
engineers. The 119th Infantry made a successful advance on the 
right, taking Voormezeele. 

On the night of September 4-5 the Eegiment was relieved by the 
105th and part of the 104th British Brigades. On the completion 
of the relief the Eegiment proceeded by marching to Dirty Bucket 
Camp. 

While in the line the trench mortars fired from 100 to 200 
projectiles daily on known and suspected enemy positions, provok- 
ing prompt and heavy retaliation, much to the disgust of the 
infantry, who have no love for trench mortars. 

In advance of September 1-2 emplacements were established well 
forward and covered the consolidation of the new line. The 
37-mms. were kept in reserve, but on the day of the advance two 
guns were sent forward in command of Lieutenant Lowry, but did 
not become engaged. The Pioneers were divided between the bat- 
talions and aided in the consolidation. Prior to that time they were 
engaged in the construction of dugouts and shelters. The Signals 
in this and future operations maintained excellent communications 
at all times. The Regimental Machine Gun Company covered the 
front of the Eegiment for the first eight days — harrassing the enemy 
lines at night. The day of the advance two guns were ordered 
forward from the rear to cover consolidation. The Intelligence 
Service, both battalion and regimental, functioned well at all times. 

CHAPTER \1 

September 5th and 6th were devoted to cleaning up. The entire 
Regiment was deloused and bathed at "Kill Bug Station and Hop 
Factory," each man receiving a clean suit of underwear. After a 
period in the line the little bugs were plentiful. 

On September 3rd, prior to the relief, orders had been issued for 
the transfer of this Regiment as part of the Division to the 3rd 
British Army. This iVrmy was holding the sector in the vicinity 
of Arras and was commanded by General Byng. 



18 Official History of the 120th Infantry 

The movement began on the evenmg of September the 6th, con- 
tinued all night, and was completed on the morning of the 7th. 
Troops and transports marched from Dirty Bucket Camp to Proven 
where they entrained. It was a distinction to have been part of the 
first American Division in Belgium ; it was a privilege to have held 
and fought in the Ypres Salient, which with Verdun is the most 
famous spot in the World- War, but it was with a decided feeling of 
relief the salient was turned back to the British and there were no 
regrets, save the 1st Battalion who have failed to find "The Lady 
of Ypres," when Flanders' mud was left behind. The journey 
by train lasted twelve hours — troops detraining at Wavrans west of 
St. Pol, and marching to a billeting area east of St. Pol; Eegi- 
mental Headquarters, Headquarters and ^lachine Gun Companies 
to Herlincourt, 1st Battalion to Petit Houvin, 2nd Battalion to 
Framecourt, and 3rd Battalion to Croisette. On detraining at 
Wavrans the 1st Battalion established a record by unloading all 
troops and transportation in nineteen minutes. 

This was by far the most beautiful and comfortable area in which 
the Eegiment was ever billeted. Here an opportunity was given to 
apply in training what had been learned by experience. Fortu- 
nately there was a tank school in this area, so all ranks had an op- 
portunity of seeing how troops should work in connection with 
heavy tanks— Companies "A," "E," and "K" giving a practical 
demonstration. Such an opportunity as this was rarely had by 
American troops, and the knowledge gained here was doubtless of 
great value in future operations when tanks were used. 

On the 17th and 18th of September the Division was moved to 
the Puchevillers Area, near Albert. This Eegiment entrained on 
the 17th at Petit Houvin — the transport going by road, and staging 
for the night of the 17th at Bouque-Maison, and detrained about 
six hours later near Acheux, Eegimental Headquarters — Head- 
quarters and Machine Gun Companies and 1st Battalion going to 
Acheux, 2nd and 3rd Battalions to Forceville, and the Supply 
Company to Eosel. 

This area, until a few weeks before the arrival of the Eegiment, 
had been under shell fire. A few of the inhabitants were just be- 
ginning to return. The entire country was filled with wire entangle- 
ments, trenches, and unsalvaged ammunitions of every description. 
A perfect training ground ; no crops, no houses, no hedges to bother 
about, trenches dug, wire up, and ammunition to be had on every 
hand. All worked hard to profit by this wonderful opportunity, and 
the training was concluded in this area by a regimental problem on 
the 23rd of September, which, strange to say, fitted nearly exactly 
the big attack the Eegiment was to take part in on the 29th of 
September. 

While in these two areas the following changes were made in the 
officer j^ersonnel : Captains Fuller, Price, and Page were trans- 






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Official History of the 120th Infaxtry 19 

ferred to the Service of Supply, Captain Byrd was assigned to 
"G"' "Company, Captain St. John was assigned to "M" Company, 
Captain Mays was assigned to '"D" Company, Captain Chapman, 
the Eegiment's only Eegular Army officer, reported and was as- 
signed to '•'F" Company. Those Avho knew Captain Chapman while 
at Camp Sevier felt the Eegiment was to be congratulated on his 
assignment, and it was the source of genuine regret when he was 
killed in the first action with the Eegiment. Major Scott was 
promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, but requested permission to remain 
in command of his battalion until after the approaching operation. 

CHAPTEE VII 

Un the night of September 23, 1918, the Division was transferred 
to the -Ith British Army, commanded by General Eawlinson. ISTo 
one knew what was to take place, but each man in the Eegiment 
felt the time had come for the Eegiment to prove its worth. The 
Eegiment was formed in columns of two's on the road between 
Aclieux and Forceville. Lorry after lorry rolled into place, and at 
8 :00 r. :ii. all troops were embussed and ready to move into the 
night. All night long the movement continued through Albert, 
Peronne. Doingt, and along the marshy Somme. With the sky 
growing lighter in the east the Eegiment debussed at Cartigny and 
marched to Tincourt. Once more the flash of guns and the burst 
of "A'cry lights" could be seen. The same day the Eegiment was 
joined by a detail of Australian officers and men, who were to give 
whatever assistance the Eegiment might need; and from these 
Australians more was learned in the short period they were with 
the Eegiment, j)articularly as regards the rationing of troops in the 
line, than in the entire period of training. In the afternoon the 
Eegiment marched to Hervilly. Eegimental Headquarters was in the 
side of a sunken road. The troops were scattered wherever room 
could be found, the mass of artillery, infantry, and cavalry filling 
the entire country. 

The Eegiment learned that in front of it lay the hitherto im- 
pregnable positions of the Hindenburg Line, against which many 
fruitless attacks had been made; that the British Army had been 
given the task of fighting the only decisive battle in the World- War; 
that the place of honor in this attack between Cambria and St. 
Quentin had been given the 4th British Army; that the 30th Divi- 
sion, as part of the -Ith British Army, would attack in the center 
with the 46th British on the right and the 27th American on the 
left; that the 119th and 120th Infantry Eegiments had been 
selected to do the job, with the llTth Infantry to follow and attack 
to the right after crossing the Canal, and 118th Infantry as Divi- 
sional Eeserve. 



20 Official History of the 120th Ixfaxtf.y 

This Eegiment's sector of the Hindenburg System consisted : 
First, of three rows of heavy barbed wire, woven so thick as to 
resemble a mass of vines and briars intermingled — each row was 
from thirty to forty feet in depth, and to which the artillery hre did 
but little damage ; second, three rows of the Hindenburg trenches, 
on which four years of work had been spent; third, the backbone 
of the entire system, Bellicourt, the St. Quentin Canal Tunnel. 
This Canal passed for a distance of 6,000 yards underground from 
Le Catlet on the north to Eecquval on the south. It had been built 
by the Great Napoleon, and in some places was 193 feet under- 
ground. The Germans filled the Canal with barges, lighted it with 
electric lights, and fitted it with dressing stations. On the barges 
accommodations were provided for a division of troops, where they 
could rest secure from any shell-fire. The end of the tunnel had 
been closed with ferro-concrete walls with openings left for machine 
gun. To the trench system and to the town of Bellicourt. overhead, 
ran concrete tunnels through which troops could move to reinforce 
the front line or to occupy the prepared ^^ositions in Bellicourt; 
third, the Catlet-Nauroy Line, a supporting system : and, fourth, 
the village of Nauroy, which had been prepared for defense. Over 
the entire area were machine guns without number, not only the 
probable approaches, but every inch of front was covered by one 
or more guns. The Germans believed the position could not be 
taken, and even when lost prisoners would not believe it to be 
possible, and laughed at those who would tell them. 

As fast as information was secured it was passed on to unit com- 
manders in conference. Later on this same information was pub- 
lished in memorandums and distributed down to and including 
platoon commanders. Some of the most interesting of these 
memorandums, together with the attack order, are given in the 
sequence issued. 

LIQA 

{Code name of Regiment) 

September 26. 1918. 
Memorandum : 

1. "Mopping up" parties, as soon as designated, will submit a plan for 
mopping up areas allotted to them. They will provide themselves with a 
plentiful supply of phosphorus bombs in addition to hand grenades. 

2. Battalion Commanders will provide themselves with signal rockets, 
size No. 32, white over white over white. These will be fired when ob- 
jective is reached. 

3. Message carrying rockets will be drawn. 

■4. Metal disk will be fastened on the inside of gas mask, on flap, to be 
shown on call from aircraft. Only men in the front line should show 
same. All ranks will be provided with this signal. 



Official History of the 120tii Infantry 31 

."). Red flares will be drawn for attacking troops which will be lit to 
indicate the new line. Four or five should be lighted in a group, not 
more than' 30 yards apart, and only on signal. 

ti. Men will lie cautioned to keep as close to the barrage as possible — 
possibly within 25 yards of tanks — as only by keeping close to barrage can 
casualties be avoided. 

7. See that signal lamps are ready, and that message maps are on 
hand before going over. 

8. Tanks: Helmet stuck on bayonet attracts attention of tank, and it 
should be pointed in direction of machine gvni or nest. Tank will stop to 
let you know he has seen signal. Green and white flag from tank shows 
that enemy has been cleaned up and advance may continue. Yellow and 
red flag indicates that tank is in trouble — advance will continue without 
tank. Tanks coming out of action fly red, white and blue flag. Five (5) 
men will be selected from each battalion to go with tanks. Good men will 
be selected, and they will report the day before attack. Some Infantry 
may be required to proceed tanks to look out for mines — select men in case 
they should be called for. Regimental and Company stretcher bearers 
will take care of tank \vounded. Send message by D. R. to Tank Com- 
mander about same. All men will be cautioned to look out for tanks so as 
to avoid being run over. Infantry will assist tanks by rushing strong 
points. 

9. Caution men again about Boche traps, and, if necessary, use Boche 
to open doors of dugouts and to go in first. 

10. Prisoners will be sent to Battalion Headquarters. Officers and 
X. C. O.'s will be promptly searched and separated from other ranks. A 
very few men can handle a large number of Boche prisoners. 

11. Two or three men will be designated on the flanks of each battalion 
who will be responsible for direction. These men will carry prismatic 
compasses. 

12. Packs will probably be put in dumps. Each man going over only 
carries rations and slicker. These packs should be properly made and 
tagged. 

1.3. Each iniit commander will keep in touch with his next higher 
commander. 

14. Impress upon all men that speed is essential to success. Clean up 
as the advance is made, and leave an open road for the Australian coming 
behind. 

John 0. Walker, 

Capt., Operating Officer, for 

Commanding Officer. 



22 Official History of the 120th Ixfaxtey 

LIQA 

September 27, 1918. 

SECRET: 

FiEXLD Order No. 30. 

Maps S ^""^ ^- ^^^ 1/20,000, 
I 62-C N. E., 1/20,000. 

1. Information: 

(a) "Zed" clay and "H" hour this Regiment will attack the enemy's 
positions in the Hindenburg Line. The 46th British Division -will attack 
on our right; the 119th Infantry will attack on our left. 

(b) Attack will be made after a preliminary bombardment under a 
creeping barrage, and supported by tanks. 

(c) This Regiment will be followed by the 117th Infantry, who will 
attack south and east of the Canal. 

(d) The 117th Infantry will be followed by the 5th Australian Division, 
which will pass through this Regiment when final objective has been taken, 
and go forward to their objective. 

2. Plan : 

(a) This Regiment will attack with tlie 3rd Battalion on the right, 
2nd Battalion on the left, and 1st Battalion in support. 

(b) Regimental Boundaries : 

Southern limit— G 20 b 4.4 to G 12 d 0.0. 

Northern limit — From G 8 c central, along Sentinel Ridge and. Stniken 
Road through center of Bellicourt to railroad G 4 d 0.3, along railroad to 
Sunken Road G 5 d 7.6, east to objective. 

(c) Inter-BattaJion Boundary : From G 14 c 6.2, along Ridge to G 10 c 
5.6 on Canal Tunnel, up Riqueval Ravine to Sunken Road, and east along 
trench to objective. 

(d) Regimental Objective: G 6 a 6.0 to G 6 d 4.4 to G 12 b .i..5 to 
G 12 b 0.0 to G 12 d 0.0. 

(e) Line taken will not be consolidated. 

3. Dispositions : 

(a) 3rd Battalion : 3rd Battalion will attack with two Companies in the 
front line and two in support. A Company from the 117tli Infantry will 
attack on the right of the 3rd Battalion as far as Canal Bank. This Com- 
pany will be under the command of the C. O. 3rd Battalion luitil the attack 
is launched. This Company will be supported by a Company of M. G.'s. 

2nd Battalion: 2nd Battalion will attack on the left with two Com- 
panies in the front line and two Companies in sujjport. 

1st Battalion : 1st Battalion will detail one Company to '"mop up" 
Bellicourt, one Company to "mop up" trenches in the Hindenburg Line, 
one-half Company to seize and hold the southern exit of the Canal Tunnel, 
and remainder of this Company to seize and hold exits on Tunnel. Units 



Official Histoey of the 120th Infantry 33 

to seize and hold all known exits from Canal will be detailed at once, and 
will go straight to objective. The remaining Company will be disposed of 
by the Battalion Commander. All troops not otherwise used, and can be 
spared from mopping up trenches, will assist in mopping up Bellicourt. 

(b) Attacking Battalions will attack with first wave in skirmish lines, 
with 30 yards between lines. The second wave of the Attacking Battalions 
will be in combat groups, 30 yards in rear of first Avave. The Support 
Companies of Attacking Battalions will follow second wave at 50 yards. 
Support Companies will be in combat groups. Support Battalion will 
follow Support Companies of Attacking Battalions at 50 yards, and will 
be in combat groups. 

(c) Special Units: 

(1) Trench Mortars: Two T. M.'s will report to each battalion com- 
mander on Zed minus one day. Remaining two T. M.'s will go forward 
with the first wave, and are assigned the special task of covering the 
southern exist of Canal Tunnel. 

(2) Machine Guns: Two M. G.'s will report on Zed minus one day to 
each battalion commander for the purpose of protecting his flanks. Two 
M. G.'s will report to left battalion commander, and will move forward 
between the Attacking Battalions. The remaining M. G.'s, under the 
command of the M. G. Officer, will move forward in the rear of the Support 
Battalion, and will be used to replace guns knocked out or on special 
targets. 

(3) 31 -mm. Guns: One 37-mm. gun Avill report on Zed minus one day 
to each battalion commander. 

(4) Pioneer Platoon: Pioneer Platoon will follow Support Battalion, 
and will place sign-boards indicating routes forward to Battalion Head- 
quarters. They will also prepare crossings necessary to get transports 
forward. When Support Battalion halts at their objective they will push 
forward and mark routes to Attacking Battalion Headquarters. 

(d) Jumping-off line will be tapes on Zed minus one night. Troops 
will be on tape at H, minus one hour. Covering parties will be with- 
drawn at H, minus 15 minutes. Tanks should be in place at H, minus 
10 minutes, and troops will immediately close up on tanks. If tanks fail 
to arrive when barrage is put down, troops will close up to barrage. 

(e) Creeping barrage will lift 100 yards every 3 minutes until Canal 
Tunnel is passed. Barrage will halt 15 minutes 500 yards east of Canal 
Tunnel. When advance is resumed creeping barrage will move at rate of 
100 yards in 4 minutes, until final objective is reached. Beyond final 
objective it will be put down for a period. 

(f) Tanks: Instructions previously given in regard to tanks will be 
followed. Guides will be furnished each tank to bring them to their posi- 
tion on the tape. 

4. (a) Liaison will be from right to left. All imits will send liaison 
agents to the unit on their left. Each Attacking Battalion will send one 



24 Official History of the 120th Ixfaxtry 

officer to Regimental Headquarters on Zed minus one day, for liaison pur- 
poses. Each battalion will send 7 men to Regimental Headquarters on 
Zed minus one day, as runners. 

(b) An advance report center will be established in dugouts G 14 d 4.6, 
where wire communication will be found. Final objective taken, center of 
information will be found in Sunken Road near Gila 1.1. 

(c) Liaison with aircraft as previously instructed. 

(d) Attacking troops will be equipped according to instructions pre- 
viously issued. 

(e) Troops will be especially warned to keep out of dugouts until they 
have been investigated by special troops. 

(f) Guides to maintain direction will be on the right, left, and center 
of each Attacking Battalion. Guides will be cautioned that in smoke 
screen flaming shells will be fired to indicate position of barrage, but this 
can not be relied upon. Compasses must be used. Compasses will be 
checked on Zed minus one day. 

(g) Administrative instructions follow: 

. 5. Regimental Headquarters at L 2.3 b 7.0, moving to G 14 d 4.6 final 

objective taken. Will move forward to Hindenburg Line when Bellicourt 

has been mopped up. 

John 0. ^^ alker, 

Capt., Operation Officer, for 

Commanding Officer. 



LIQA 

September 27, 1918. 
Memoraxduji : 

1. Moppers up will take care of prisoners, forward battalions to send 
no one back. 

2. Notify men about sound of machine bullets in liarrage. Also caution 
them that shells, apparently coming from the rear, are long range German 
shells from the flanks. 

3. Don't call for S. O. S. barrage 15 minutes before zero hour — you 
won't get it. Zero hour not to be written by any one. 

4. All officers and N. C. O.'s will get all the rest possible on the 28th. 
All men must keep out of sight during the day. Scatter troops as much 
as possible. 

5. Tape line will be occupied by 4:30 A. M. on zero day. Covering 
detachments will be withdrawn 15 minutes before zero. 

6. One officer from each battalion to join tanks about 2,500 yards in 
rear and guide them to tape line or jumping off place. Tank should reach 
jumping off place about 10 minutes before zero hour. 

7. Barrage will advance at rate of 3 minutes per 100 yards, until after 
Canal is crossed, where it will halt 500 yards away for 15 minutes. When 
movement is resumed advance will be at rate of 100 yards in 4 minutes. 



Official History of the 120th Infantry 25 

Attacking Battalions must not forget this 500 yards is to be closed up. 
It will take 3 hours and 34 minutes for barrage to reach final objective. 

8. Don't mistake heavy counter battery work for barrage. 

{). On day before attack watches will be synchronized three times, and 
officers required to check watches so they will know exact time of zero 
hour. 

10. Men must not leave holes and dugouts they are assigned to guard, 
except on orders from an officer. These details are to be made beforehand. 

1 ] . Attacking Battalions are responsible for mopping up beyond Canal. 

12. Entire town of Bellicourt will be taken and mopped up by one 
Company from this Regiment. Details will be made by mopping up bat- 
talion to seize and hold mouth of Tunnel and all exits. When Company 
mopping uj) trenches has finished its job, located and left guards at each 
exit, they will join Company in town and help out there. Detail for mouth 
of Tunnel should consist one-half Companj', Lewis guns, and two machine 
guns. Two trench mortars will also be used. 

13. ^loppers up must have plenty of phosphorus grenades. 

14. Remind men after tanks stop to follow barrage, otherwise keep in 
rear of tanks. Infantry will be ready to droji in trench as soon as tanks 
cross. 

1.5. Leading elements are to go throvigh and aroimd obstacles, leaving 
cleaning up to rear parties. 

It). Americans — keep ofl" of roads leading to rear; they must be kept 
open for Australian Artillery. When artillery is captured a guard must 
be placed on guns so sights can not be removed. We want the guns to 
fire on the Germans. 

17. Scouts will be placed in front of tanks to look out for mines and 
traps up to Canal. 

18. If artillery moves forward, nearest battalion commander will fur- 
nish guard of one platoon for protection, if called on by the artillery 
commander. 

19. Water bottles to every other man. Caution men to get water 
bottles, ammunition, and food from the dead. 

20. Get prisoners out in groups as rapidly as possible. 

21. Put guard on any aircraft which may come down. 

SUMMARY 

(a I Assaulting troops keep as close as possible to barrage, 
(b) Mopping up should be complete. 

(ci Keep information coming to the rear promptly and accurately. 
Time of event should be in body of message. 

(d) All men will be given all information in regard to the attack at 
once. joHjj Q Walkek, 

Capt., Operation Officer, for 

Commanding Officer. 



26 Official History of the 120th Ixfaxtry 

LIQA 

September 28, 1918. 

ilEJiORANDVM : To Battalion and Separate Unit Commanders. 

1. Zero hour Mill be . When your units are lined up and in 

place one hour before zero hour, notify these Headquarters by code word 
"Pork." 

2. The 27111 Division failed in its mission yesterday, and will fight its 
way to its jumping off place to-morrow morning. 

3. The barrage will fall at the designated place at zero hour. 

4. Time table is changed as follows, and will remain on tlie original 
barrage line 4 minutes instead of 3 : 

Each successive leap will be 4 minutes. It will halt for 15 minutes on 
line previously designated. 

Change your time tables accordingly. 

5. The commanding officer of 3rd Battalion will notify attached units 
as to location of clearing stations. 

By order of Colonel Elinor. 
John 0. Walker, 

Capt., Operation Officer. 



The change in the rate of advance by the barrage, one minute 
slower in each 100 yards up to the Canal, required 4 hours instead 
of 3 hours and o-i minutes for it to cross final objective. 

Prior to the attack the gallant Captain Dixon, who was in- 
stantly killed while leading his men after having been previously 
wounded three times, called the men of his company together, and 
they solemnly pledged themselves to carry through to the o1)jective, 
though only one man be left. Captain Leonard counted his eggs 
and entrusted them to "Peter," who so far "forgot the Avar as to 
chase crippled quail in the midst of the enemy counter barrage. 
Major Graham, who in this and future actions called loudly and 
successfully for hot coffee at each halt, saw to his coffee and his 
coffee-pot. Mr. Eitter, the "Y" man, collected thousands of francs 
from the men, either to keep until they came out of the line or to 
send to some one at home. Each officer and man was intent on 
making the job a success, but each one could not help )nit wonder if 
the morrow spelt "safety," "blighty," or "gone west" for him. 

The attack was to be launched at 5 :50 a. im. on the morning of 
the 29th, so on the night of the 27-28 this Kegiment relieved the 
118th Infantry in the right of the Divisional Sector. For 48 hours 
prior to the attack the enemy defenses were under a continuous 
liombardment. Prisoners taken later stated the shell-fire was so 
terrible it was impossible to bring up food and supplies. Prisoners 



Official History of the 120th Infantry 27 

also stated that the attack was expected, as a British plane with a 
barrage map had been shot down, but the zero hour was not known. 

At 4:30 A. M. all troops were reported on the tape — the 3rd 
Battalion on the right, the 2nd Battalion on the left, and the 1st 
Battalion in support. All troops were moved away from the 
trenches, as the enemy counter barrage was expected to come down 
promptly on the trench system, the tanks lumbered into position — - 
everything Avas ready. Promptly at 5 :50 A. :m. the barrage from 
fourteen brigades of artillery, in addition to the heavies, came down. 
To this was added the machine gun barrage of all guns of the three 
battalions of machine guns. The machine gun barrage started a 
second ahead of the artillery. The troops who had closed up as 
close as safety permitted to the barrage shook themselves out as 
they moved away. All was going well when there settled over the 
entire area a fog so dense, which, combined with the smoke in the 
barrage, made it impossible to see more than six yards away. 
Officers lost all control over their troops. The success of the attack 
now depended upon the individual, and the advantage of giving 
each man as much information as possible was clearly seen, for 
without hesitation the men moved on and on. At 7:25 a. m. the 
main Hindenburg System had been crossed, and the mopping up 
battalion was maintaining a constant flow of prisoners to the rear. 
At 11:30 A. M. Nauroy was occupied, the Eegiment was on the ob- 
jective, and the Australians had passed through. At 11 :45 a. m. 
the cleaning up of Bellicourt was completed. A part of the 117th 
Infantry crossed the Canal, and attacked to the right and along the 
east side of the Canal. 

This Brigade was the first unit on the entire British front to 
break through the Hindenburg Line ; this Eegiment was the only 
imit taking all of its objectives in this great attack on time. Ger- 
man officers captured, when convinced the line was broken, said in 
despair, "'All is lost — there is nothing between you and the Ehine." 
The piles of empty shells at each machine gun emplacement, and 
the casualty list, testified to the bitterness of the fighting. The 
Eegiment had proven its fighting worth, and had earned the con- 
fidence of its allied comrades. The spoils captured were enormous, 
but were left for salvage, uncounted. 

After the fight was over the units were assembled in a support 
position, and all expected the Eegiment would pass through the 
Australians for another attack, but instead of attacking the Division 
was withdrawn from the line for a few days. 



28 Official History of the 120th Ixfantry 



CHAPTER VIII 

On October the 1st, when the Division was withdrawn from the 
line, this Eegiment moved by marching to the Tincourt Area. On 
October the 2nd the movement continued, the Eegiment marching 
to Belloy, west of Peronne. This area had been fought over for 
four years, changing hands time and again ; as a result, it was a 
perfect example of destruction — of many villages nothing remained, 
no one would have known a house had ever existed but for the 
signboard marking the site. It was hard to realize that this, the 
Somme Country, had at one time been the most jDroductive part of 
France. On October the 5th the Eegiment returned to the Tincourt 
Area, and on October the 6th the movement continued to Villeret. 

On the night of the 4-5 of October the Division, with the 59th 
Brigade in line, relieved the 2nd Australian Division. The 59th 
Brigade, which had an easy time on the 29th, was to attack on the 
morning of the 8th from the vicinity of ^lontbrehain. The 27th 
American Division composed the reserve for the 2nd American 
Corps. On the afternoon of the 8th of October this Eegiment, less 
the 1st and 2nd Battalions, moved to Joncourt. 

The 1st and 2nd Battalions were sent forward on the 8th as 
reserve battalions for the 59th Brigade. Two companies, "A" and 
"B," were used in the front line near Premont, and "D" Company 
was used in the taking and mopping up of Brancourt. 

On the night of October 8-9 orders were received at 2 :00 a. m. 
for this Eegiment to follow the 118th Infantry of the 59th Brigade, 
holding the general line Premont-Brancourt in an attack to be 
launched at 5 :30 a. m. Three hours and a half is an exceedingly 
short time in which to prepare orders and distribute them to the 
troops under the best of conditions. The orders were quickly pre- 
pared and distributed to the 3rd Battalion, Machine Gun Company, 
and Headquarters Company, who were well in hand. Officers, who 
fortunately had the use of the Brigade Commander's car, left to get 
in touch with the 1st and 2nd Battalions. At the 59th Brigade 
Headquarters they were told that they, the 59th Brigade, had not 
notitied the Imttalions of this Eegiment that the command had 
returned to the 60th Brigade, and, furthermore, they only had time 
to notify their own units. In spite of the lack of assistance given 
by this Brigade the battalions were located, and the battalion com- 
manders by almost superhuman effort collected their companies 
and followed the 118th Infantry — the 2nd Battalion on the right, 
the 1st Battalion on the left, and the 3rd Battalion in support. In 
this and in future engagements the 3rd Battalion, in support, was 
engaged shortly after the attacking battalions went into action. 
This Eegiment was to pass through the 118th Infantry, when it 
reached its ol)jective, and should have done so about 10 :00 a. m. 



Official History of the 120th Infantry 29 

The 118th was held up, however, hy machine gun fire from the 
right, and this Eegiment did not pass through and take its objective 
until 4 :00 p. m. The villages of Becquignv and La Haie Meneresse 
and the Bois De Busigny were taken, ancl a platoon from the 3rd 
Battalion was diverted to assist in taking the town of Bohain, 
where the unit on the right was held up. 

The Commanding Officer of "G" Company, as usual, went in 
with sword in one hand and spade in the other — close on his heels 
came his orderly, Turner, with an S. 0. S. rocket, which neither 
one knew how to use. 

On the morning of the 10th the advance continued, and after 
severe fighting the town of Yaux Andigny was taken. This posi- 
tion was enfiladed from the Bellvue Farm on the right, and, as the 
right of the Eegiment was nearly 3,000 yards in the air, the troops 
Avere withdrawn a few hundred yards to the western edge of Yaux 
Andigny. On the morning of the 11th the 118th Infantry, who 
had come up too late to take care of the right of this Eegiment, 
attacked through this Eegiment, but was unable to advance more 
than 200 yards. On the evening of the 11th the line was estab- 
lished east of Yaux Andigny, and the 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 
this Eegiment, established touch with the 6th British Division on 
the right. On the night of the 11th this Eegiment was relieved by 
a regiment from the 27th Division and proceeded by marching to 
Brancourt. On the morning of the 10th Major Boddie was 
wounded, and Captain Stone took command of the 3rd Battalion. 

In this and future engagements the Machine Gun Company and 
the special units were divided between the three battalions, and 
advanced with them. 

The country fought over was hilly, with many woods and plenty 
of hedges, making an ideal country for the effective use of machine 
guns. The enemy gave up no ground without a fight, and was 
apparently making a desperate effort to hold the line of the La Selle 
Eiver. 

CHAPTEE IX 

At Brancourt the men were given as much rest as possible, about 
the only detail work done was to bury dead .horses and Bodies. 
Improvised bathing facilities were made and every one had a bath 
of a kind. 

On the night of October 15-16 orders were received for an attack 
by the Division on the morning of the 17th. The 59th Brigade 
took over the line in the same place it had been turned over to the 
27th Division, and the entire divisional front was the front of this 
Eegiment in the last operation. 

On the afternoon of the 16th the Eegiment moved from Bran- 
court to a wooded area on west of railroad and west of Becquigny ; 
during the night the woods were shelled by the enemv, and 



30 Official History of the 130th Ixfaxtry 

some casualties were inflicted. On the morning of the ITth the 
Eegiment was formed up with the 2nd Battalion on the right, the 
1st Battalion on the left, and the 3rd Battalion in support. The 
59th Brigade attacked at zero hour behind a creeping barrage, and 
supported by tanks storming the heights of the La Selle Eiver. 
This Eegiment, following the 118th at 2,000 yards, was to pass 
through and carry on when they reached their objective, but as the 
118th Infantry did not reach their objective this Eegiment did not 
pass through. On the night of the 17th the line held by the 118th 
Infantry was taken over by this Eegiment; the 119th taken over 
from the 117th Infantry on the right, the 27th Division 
(American) being on the left of this Eegiment. At 5:30 a. m. on 
the mornings of the 18th and 19th the Eegiment attacked success- 
fully, taking the town of Mazinghein, and advancing to heights 
west of Caillon and overlooking the Samlire Canal. The country 
fought over was very similar to that in the vicinity of Yaux 
Andigny, and the desperate resistance of the enemy resulted in but 
few prisoners being taken — practically all of the enemy having to 
be killed. 

One battalion of the llSth Infantry was furnished this Eegiment 
as a reserve, but it never became necessary to use it, so during the 
entire fighting it followed this Eegiment at about 1,000 yards. 

The Division had now become so depleted in strength it was 
withdrawn to be refilled and refitted, the line being taken over by 
the 1st British Division on the night of October 19-29 ; this Eegi- 
ment on relief going to St. Souplet: on the 20th the movement 
continued to Busigny; on the 21st to Xauroy: on the 22nd to 
Tincourt; and on the 23rd the Eegiment entrained at Tincourt, 
detraining at Heilly and marching to a billeting area about 10 
miles north of Amiens. Headquarters 1st and 2nd Battalions going 
to Montigny, 3rd Battalion and Headquarters and Machine Gun 
Companies to Brancourt Sur L'Hallue, and Supply Company to 
Lahoussoye. 

CHAPTEE X 

Shortly after reaching the Montigny area the Eegiment received 
about 300 replacements, these were the first replacements received 
by the Eegiment, also a good many men who had been wounded at 
Ypres were returned to their organizations. 

While at Montigny the first and only Eegimental Party was held. 
It was given to the officers of the Eegiment by those officers who 
had been promoted while in France, a great many escaped by being 
wounded. The only outside officers were the Colonel of the 119th 
Infantry, the Chief of Staff, and G 1. The Brigade Commander 
was greatly opposed to the party, expressing the belief it would be 
nothing but a "caribou wallow." While it was not known exactly 



Official Histoey of the I^Oth Ixfantry 31 

what he meant, it was gathered that a "caribou wallow"' was quite 
a function in the Old Eegular Army. The party was a great suc- 
cess, only one casualty, and tM'o missing. It was hoped to have had 
another, l)ut an opportunity never offered itself, much to the 
regret of all. 

Training was started as soon as the men were given a very brief 
rest, every effort being made to correct errors developed in actual 
combat. While every man felt the end was not far distant, the 
Eegiment fully expected to jump off at least once more before the 
collapse came — so the morning of the 11th of N'ovember found the 
Eegiment engaged in a problem preparing for an attack the latter 
part of the week. Just as the problem was about to begin, at 
10 :00 A. M., a message was received announcing the signing of the 
Armistice. The troops were told the good news, the problem called 
off', and a holiday declared. 

After the Armistice, until the Eegiment embarked for home, 
work Avas carried on, but now the incentive was lacking, and it 
became more and more difficult to maintain interest or enthusiasm 
in doing "impossible prol^lems on impassable roads." 

A week after the Armistice the Division was transferred from 
the British to the American Army in the'Le Mans Emijarkation 
Area. This Eegiment marched to Corbie where it entrained, de- 
training at Beaumont and marching to billets; Eegimental Head- 
quarters, Headquarters and Supply Companies to Segrie; 3rd Bat- 
talion to Yernie, 2nd Battalion to Meseziers, and Machine Gun 
Company to Asse Le Eiboul. The villages of St. Christopher, St. 
Sabine, and Sille were also used later on. This area Avas in every 
respect the most unsatisfactory in which the Eegiment was ever 
billeted. 

The Division was reviewed and inspected by General Pershing, 
Commander-in-Chief, on January 21, 1919. A few- days later it 
moved by marching to the Forwarding Camp at Le Mans, stopping 
for one night en route in the Montbizot area. 

While in the Montigny area jMaJor Graham was sent home to 
command new troops as a Lieutenant-Colonel, but his promotion 
was stopped by the Armistice. Major Comstock was assigned to the 
Eegiment and placed in command of the 2nd Battalion. Captain 
Leonard, who had been in command of the 1st Battalion, and 
Captain Jenkins were promoted to ]\Iajors, the latter going to the 
3rd Battalion. A new lot of most excellent Lieutenants were also 
assigned to the Eegiment. At Segrie and Forwarding Camp a 
great many changes were made, many officers going to the Army 
of Occupation and were replaced by officers from the 3rd Division, 
most of whom were later sent home with casual troops from 
Bordeaux. Several officers left to take advantage of the courses 
offered at British and French Universities. Lieutenant-Colonel 
Scott, now Colonel Scott, took command of the Eegiment — Colonel 



32 Official History of the 120th Ixfantry 

Minor assuming command of the Brigade. Major McClintock was 
given the 3rd Battalion and Major Walker the 2nd Battalion. 

Early in March the Eegiment was moved by rail from the For- 
warding Camp to the Embarkation Camp at St. ISTazaire. This 
camp was the best in every respect in which this Eegiment had l^een 
located and was a credit to those in charge. The final decision to 
land the Division in Charleston instead of New York delayed the 
sailing, and it was not until the 1st of April that the last of this 
Eegiment cleared for home. The Eegiment had lieen broken into 
detachments after having been filled to strength, and now every 
state in the Union was represented, except three, so each one felt 
when half of the Eegiment with the Begimental Commander sailed 
on U. S. Transport Powhatan that he was bidding his friends a last 
farewell. Fortunately two days later the remainder of the Eegi- 
ment embarked on U. S. Transport Martha Washington, and the 
Eegiment was together again at Camp Jackson before l^eing 
mustered out. 

The voyage over was uneventful. The naval officers and men 
endeavored to make the return home as pleasant as possible : the 
troops were landed at Charleston, where they were well taken care 
of by the Eed Cross. An hour after landing the first train pulled 
out for Camp Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina. 

On the 16th of April the Eegiment paraded in Charlotte, Xorth 
Carolina. The people of this Carolina city gave the Eegiment a 
royal welcome, and their unstinted hospitality will always be a 
cherished memory to all ranks. 

On the 17th practically every man had received his little red 
chevron and his Honorable Discharge — men who had lived, suffered, 
and fought together were going home. There was many a tear in 
many an eye as hands were clasped for the last time. They had 
written the history of their Eegiment, a record of their successes — 
a record that needs no explanation or apology. 

For our British comrades in arms the Eegiment has the highest 
regard. We often disagreed, but they accepted us and treated us 
as one of their own. They gave us their splendid Aiistralian 
Artillery, they fed us, they equipped us, they clothed us, they pro- 
tected us in the air, and we profited by their four years of experi- 
ence in warfare. We feel honored in having been selected to serve 
with them; we feel their Generals are our Generals, their armies 
our armies, and their successes our successes. 

To our French interpreters — the "Duke," the "Count," and 
M. Jacques Eouilly, who was killed in action — we express our 
thanks. Their services were honest, faithful, and efficient. The 
interest of the Eeo-iment was safe in their hands. 



Official History of the 120th Infantry 



33 



CHAPTEE XI 

The only places in France which hold the affections and loving 
memory of this Eegiment are those little bits of hallowed ground 
in Flanders' Fields, and the desolate country of the Somme, where 
those of this Eegiment who gave their lives heroically for humanity 
sleep side by side with the brave men of many lands — in the most 
glorious death that comes to man. 

"Sleep, Soldiers! Still in honored rest, 
Your truth and valor wearing; 
The bravest are the tenderest — 
The loving are the daring." 



APPENDIX "A" 

The Battle Casualties of the Eegiment, with dates, were as 
follows : 

Date Killed Wounded Prisoners 

Ypees Sector — ) 3 Officers 6 Officers 

July 4th to Sept. 5th, 1918 ^ 31 Men 210 Men 1 Man 

HiNDENBURG LiNE — ) 8 Officers 22 Officers 

Sept. 29th to Oct. 1st, 1918 f 194 Men 737 Men 

October 7th to ) 2 Officers 12 Officers 

October 12th, 1918 C 36 Men 307 Men 1 Man 

October 16th to | 2 Officers 2 Officers 

October 20th, 1918 j 26 Men 216 Men 

rp , , 15 Officers 42 Officers 

287 Men 1,470 Men 2 Men 

Grand totals 302 1,512 2 

The Wounded were classified as follows in the latest available 
i-nformation : 

Died of wounds 3 Officers 23 Men 

Severely wounded 4 Officers 183 Men 

Slightly wounded 24 Officers 809 Men 

Gassed Officers 74 Men 

Shell shock 3 Officers 16 Men 

Wounds undetermined S Officers 365 Men 

Totals 42 Officers 1,470 Men 



34 



Official History of the 120th Infantry 



CAPTURES BY REGIMENT 

Prisoners, 1,253; Machine Guns, 132; Artillery, 10 guns; Trench 
Mortars, 4; Civilians Released, 375. 



The German Divisions, 
front and their quality, are 

Division 
236th Div. 

75th Res. Div. 
185th Div. 

20th Div. 

34th Div. 

21st Div. 

21st Res. Div. 

38th Div. 
119th Div. 
121st Div. 

187th Sharpshooter Section 
204th Div. 
208th Div. 

3rd Naval Div. 

15th Res. Div. 
221st Div. 
243rd Div. 



with date identified on 
given below : 

Date Identified 
Ang. 31 -Sept. 1 
September 27-28 
September 28-29 
October 8th 
October 8th 
October 10th 
October 10th 
October 10th 
October 10th 
October 10th 
October 10th 
October 10th 
October 10th 
October 11th 
October 11th 
October 19th 
October 19th 



the divisional 

Quality 
Average 
Average 
Average 

Very Good 

Very Good 
Average 
Average 

Very Good 
Average 
Average 

Very Good 
Average 
Average 

Very Good 
Average 
Average 
Average 



This Eegiment advanced as a front line attacking unit 16,000 
meters out of a total advance of 29,500 meters by the Division. 

This Eegiment marched, as a regiment, a total of 330 kilometers 
while in France. 

Each man in the Eegiment is entitled to wear a star on the 
Service Eibbon for each of the following official engagements : 

Canal Sector 
Ypres-Ly^s Offensive 
SoMME Offensive 



APPENDIX "B" 

The letters and orders which follow should be of interest to all, 
particularly the one from the Commander-in-Chief, which estab- 
lishes beyond question to which Division the credit of breaking the 
Hindenburg Line is due : 



Official History of the 120th Ixfaxtry 35 

Xo. 1. "Headquarters II Corps, 

American Expeditionary Forces, 

France, October 4, 1918. 
From : Adjutant-General. 

To: Commanding General, 30th Division, American E. F. 
Subject: Operation against Hindenburg Line of September 29, 1918. 

Following letter is received from the Commanding General Australian 
Corps : 

'Australian Corps, 

Corps Headquarters, 

2nd October, 1918. 
Ml' dear General: 

As the Second American Corps has now been withdrawn from the line, 
and my official association with you and your troops has been, for the 
time being, suspended, I desire to express to you the great pleasure that 
it has been to me and to the troops of the Australian Army Corps to have 
been so closely allied to you in tlie recent very important battle operations 
which have resulted in the breaking through of the main Hindenburg Line 
on the front of the Fourth British Army. 

Now that the fuller details of the work done by the 27th and 30th 
American Divisions have become available, the splendid gallantry and 
devotion of the troops in these operations have won the admiration of their 
Australian comrades. The tasks set were formidable, but tlie American 
troops overcame all obstacles, and contributed in a very high degree to the 
ultimate capture of the whole tunnel system. 

I shall be glad if you will convey to your Division Commanders my 
appreciation of and thanks for the work done, and to accept my best wishes 
for every possible success in the future. 

Yours very sincerely, 

(sd) John Monash. 
Major-General G. W. Read, N. A., 

Commanding Second American Corps.' 

Xo. 2. 

In communicating to you this expression of the sentiments of the 
Commander of the Australian Corps, the Corps Commander desires to 
make known to you his appreciation of the splendid fighting qualities of 
your Division, and of the results they accomplished in their part in break- 
ing this formidable portion of the Hindenburg Line. It is undoubtedly 
due to the troops of this Corps that the line was broken and the opera- 
tions now going on made possible. 

The unflinching determination of these men, their gallantry in battle, 
and the results accomplished are an example for the future. They will 
have their place in history and must always be a source of pride to our 
people. 

Stephen C. Clark, 

Adjutant-General." 



36 Official History of the 120th Ixfaxtry 

Xo. 3. Message from Commander-in-Chief : 

"The Commander-in-Chief desires to convej' to the officers and soldiers 
of your Corps his appreciation of the magnificent qualities which have 
enabled them, against powerful resistance, to advance more than ten miles 
and to take more than six thousand prisoners since September twenty- 
seven. 

( Signed ) [McAxdkews. 

Addressed .27tli and 30th Dii-isions." 

No. 4. From the Mayor of Busigny to the Commanding General, under 
date of 17th October, 1918: 

"Acting as a representative of the commune and in its name, conse- 
quently in the name, too, of a part of France, I take the liberty to come 
and express to our liberator, and to the gallant troops under your com- 
mand, our feelings of deepest and eternal gratitude. 

For those who have not been submitted, as we have, for four years to 
the intolerable and abhorred German yoke, it is difiicult to realize how 
great were the relief, the joy, the well-being, or, in a word, the unex- 
pressible happiness we all felt when the first allied troops made their way 
through our village. And this great event has been for us like a dawn of 
a resurrection. 

I should be very thankful to you if you would convey to all your 
ofiicers, N. C. O.'s, and men under your command our deep feelings of 
admiration and eternal gratitude. 

Please, sir, accept the expression of my highest consideration, and be- 
lieve me. 

Yours most devotedly. 

The Mayor, 

E, Mairis." 

No. 5. From the Commander-in-Chief of the British Armies to the Com- 
anding General II Corps, published in G. O. No. 44. II Corps, 
November 18, 1918: 

"Now that the American II Corps is leaving the British zone, I wish 
once more to thank you and all officers, non-commissioned ofiicers, and 
men under your command, on behalf both of myself and all ranks of the 
British Armies in France and Flanders, for the very gallant and efficient 
service you have rendered during the period of your operations with the 
Fourth British Army. 

On the 29th of September you took part with distinction in the great 
and critical attack which shattered the enemy's resistance in the Hinden- 
burg Line, and opened the road to final victory. The deeds of the 27th 
and 30th American Divisions, who on that day took Bellicourt and Nauroy, 
and so gallantly sustained the desperate struggle for Bony, will rank with 
the highest achievements of this war. They wall always be remembered 
by the British Regiments that fought beside you. 



Official History of the 120th Infantry 37 

Since that date, through three weeks of almost continuous fighting, you 
advance from one success to another, overcoming all resistance, beating off 
numerous counter attacks, and capturing several thovisand prisoners and 
many guns. The names of Brancourt, Fremont, Busigny, Vaux Andigny, 
St. Souplft, and ^Nlazinghein testify to the dash and energy of your attacks. 
I rejoice at the success which has attended your efforts, and am proud 
to have had you under my command. 

(Signed) D. Haig, 

Field Marshal." 

No. ti. Message received at 10:00 A. ji., lltli of Xovember, 1918, by phone: 
"Hostilities will cease at eleven hours to-day, Xovember 11th. Troops 
will stand fast on line Avhich will be reported to Advance Army Head- 
quarters as soon as possible. Defence precautions will be maintained. 
There will be no intercourse of any description with the enemy until 
receipt of instructions from Army Headquarters. Further instructions 
follow." 

Xo. 7. Eegimental Commander's message to his troops on the 11th, 
Xovember : 

"To all Officers and Enlisted Men of the 120th Infantry: 

1. I am happy to inform you that the war officially ended to-day at 
eleven o'clock 

2. The part we have played in Europe will always remain a glorious 
chapter in American History, and you have every cause to be proud. Our 
hearts are saddened only by our brave comrades who have fallen on the 
field of battle. 

.3. The Commanding Officer of the Regiment is particularly proud to be 
at the head of such an organization, and he has never appealed to them 
in vain. 

4. In the days to come of patient waiting before it will come our turn 
to return to our lieloved States, it is recognized that it is harder to be a 
true soldier than under actual war conditions. We may be called upon to 
perform various duties, but, whether we are called on or not, the Com- 
manding Officer of this Regiment expects each officer and enlisted man to 
remember that he is a citizen of a great and glorious coinitry and a mem- 
lier of a splendid Regiment. 

."). Let us at all times think of our loved ones at home, and use our 
utmost endeavor to go home to them with clean hands, clean hearts, and 
clean bodies. 

6. This notice will be read at retreat roll call and posted on the 
bulletin board of each organization. 

(sgd) S. W. Minor, 

Col., Inf., V. S. A., 

Commanding." 



38 Official History of the 120tii Infantry 

No. 8. F^'om the Commander-in-Chief: 

"American Expeditionary Forces, 

Office of the Commander-in-Chief. 

France, February 19. 1919. 
Major-General Edward M. Lewis, 

Commanding 30th Division, A. E. F. 

My dear General Lewis: 

It gives me much pleasure to extend to you and the officers and men 
of the 30th Division my sincere compliments upon their appearance at the 
review and inspection on the 21st of January, southwest of Teille, which 
Avas excellent, and is just what would be expected in a command with such 
a splendid fighting record. 

After its preliminary training the Division entered the line on July 
16th, where it remained almost continuously until the end of October. In 
that time it was in the actual battle from 30th of August, and took part 
in the Ypres-Lys and Somme offensives. On September 29th, the Division 
broke through both the Hindenburg and the Le Catelet-Xauroy lines, 
capturing Bellicourt and Nauroy, an operation on which all subsequent 
action of the 4th British Army depended. From October 7th to October 
20th, the Division advanced 23 kilometers in a continued series of attacks, 
capturing 2,352 of the enemy. Brancourt, Fremont, Busigny, St. Bernin, 
St. Souplet and Escaufort, La Haie Mineresse, and Vaux Andigny are 
names which will live in the memories of those who fought in the 30th 
Division. But its especial glory will always be the honor you won by 
breaking the Hindenburg Line on September 29th. Such a record is one of 
which we are all proud. 

It is gratifying to see your troops in such good physical shape, but still 
more so to know that this almost ideal condition will continue to the end 
of their service and beyond, as an exemplification of their high character 
and soldierly qualities. 

I inspected the artillery brigade of the Division later, and found the 
same high standard of personnel that marks the rest of the Division. 

Very sincerely yours. 

John J. Pershing." 

Xo. 9. The Regimental Commander's farewell message, March 9. 1919: 
"To the Officers and Men of the 120th Infantry: 

1. A few more days and we shall embark for home. No one knows how 
the detachments will be handled, but the chances are many of us will 
never meet again. 

2. This Regiment came into the service as a National Guard luiit from 
North Carolina, augmented later by national guardsmen from South 
Carolina and Tennessee, and still later by selective draft men from several 
camps, the principal units now being as follows: North Carolina, 1,.558; 



Official History of the 120th Infantry 39 

Tennessee, 406; Indiana, 281; Kentucky, 259; and many other detach- 
ments, until to-day every state in the Union is represented except four. 
North Carolina will claim us as her own, and we are justly proud of the 
record her sons have made, but we owe a debt of gratitude to the other 
loyal sons from many states, who helped to make our glorious record, that 
we can never repay, and whicli can never be forgotten. 

3. To-day this Regiment and its record belongs to the individual men 
who compose it, as a priceless heritage, wherever you may go. Its achieve- 
ments must ever remain a brilliant chapter in American Military History, 
and particularly so in the 30th Division, in which splendid Division you 
have played the leading part. 

4. How you were moulded into an efficient fighting unit, tliat knew no 
North, South, East or West; how you bore the first shock of battle, and 
then with thinner ranks pressed on and on, laughing at dangers, with never 
a murmur and never a complaint, is a story too long to be told here. 

5. In parting with you it is my one desire to let you know how your 
efforts are appreciated and admired, and I hope that your pleasant asso- 
ciations with the 120th Infantry may linger in your memories long after 
your hardships have been forgotten. That you may return to your homes 
stronger men, more loyal citizens, and more devoted husbands, sons, and 
brothers is the earnest prayer of one who counts it the glory and privilege 
of a lifetime to have commanded such men. 

S. W. Minor, 

Col., Inf., U. 8. A., 

Commanding." 

No. 10. "Headquarters 120th Ixfantry, 

American Expeditionary Forces, 

France, September 28, 1918. 

To Officers and Men of the 120th Infantry: 

We have worked and labored together for the past sixteen months, and 
to-morrow comes our supreme trial. Remember, the eyes of the world are 
upon us and our native States expects us to do our duty. 

S. W. Minor, 

Col., Inf., V. 8. A., 

Commanding." 
No. 11. "Headquarters 30th Division, 

American Expeditionary Forces, 

France, March 11, 1918. 

From: Major-General E. M. Lewis, Commanding 30th Division, A. E. F. 
To: The Commanding Officer, 120th Infantry. 
Subject: Service of the 120th Infantry. 

I have already endeavored to express verbally to your officers my high 
appreciation, as Division Commander, of the loyalty and support uniformly 
given by them. As you are now about to return to the United States, it 



40 Official History of the 120th Infantry 

is desired to bear further testimony to the excellent service rendered hj 
the Regiment as a whole throughout all of the experiences in Europe of the 
Division. 

During the preparatory period it set itself seriously and industriously 
to the task of training, and when called upon for offensive action, both in 
Belgium and France, acquitted itself admirably, and won the full appro- 
bation of its superiors. It can lay down its arms with just pride in its 
achievements, and a feeling of satisfaction that its merit has been fully 
recognized and appreciated. 

May you as individuals realize your reasonable expectations of a 
tremendous welcome and every evidence of a peoples' gratitude. 

E. M. Lewis, 

Major-General, U. S. A." 

No. 12. General Sir John Monash's speech, July 4, 1918, London, extract: 
General ^lonash had under his command in the closing days of the war 
the whole Second American Army Corps, more than 60,000 men of the 
27th and .30th American Divisions. This army, he said, overthrew the 
Hindenburg defense system at its "most strongly defended point." 

The share of the American Divisions in these operations was char- 
acterized by General Monash as "probably the greatest single American 
feat of arms achieved in the whole war." The operations were completed 
on October 5th, he said, and it wias on that night that "the Germans threw 
up the sponge and declared their willingness to make peace on our own 
terms." 

APPEXDIX "C" 

Decorations awarded men of this Eegiment for acts of gallantry, 
l)oth British and American, up to time of going- to press. Thei'e 
are a considerable number not yet reported on and these will don))t- 
less be heard from at a later date. 

british distinguished service order 
Major Abra^i R. Winston 

military cross 
Captain John F. Williams 
Captain John B. Mays 
First Lieutenant Edward T. Fogg 
First Lieutenant Harvey S. Hester 

military medal 
Private James W. Rollins 
Private Claude Williams 



Official History of the 120th Ixfaxtry 41 

AMERICAN DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS 

(In order awarded) 

Lawrence Stanfield, Color Sergeant, Headquarters Company. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 

28, 1918. \Yhile attached to the Regimental Intelligence Service he was 
severely gassed, but, after receiving first aid treatment, he insisted on re- 
turning to duty. Gassed a second time and relieved for a short period he 
personally made a search for wounded men, and finding a large number went 
to aid station and brought stretcher bearers. He continued this work until 
he was blinded by the effects of the gas." 

Ben F. Dixon, Captain. Infantry. 

'"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 

29, 1918. He was severely wounded during the early part of the opera- 
tions against the Hindenburg Line; his company having only one officer, he 
remained on duty. Shortly afterwards he received a second wound, and 
again refused to leave his men. ^Yhen he saw that the front waves of his 
company were getting into a barrage he at once went forward to stop them, 
and while doing so he was killed." 

Robert ^Marshall Teachey, Private, Company "B." 

'"For extraordinary heroism in action near Ypres, Belgium, August 2, 
1918. He volunteered to accompany an officer on a daylight patrol to 
destroy an enemy pill-box. With great courage under heavy shell and 
machine-gun fire they rushed the jjill-box, killed or wounded the occupants, 
and accomplished their mission." 

John F. ^YILLIAiIS, Jr., First Lieutenant, 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Ypres, Belgium, August 2, 
1918. He volunteered to destroy an enemy pill-box which had caused many 
casualties in his battalion. With much skill and daring he led a daylight 
partol, under heavy shell and machine-gun fire, rushed the pill-box, killed 
or wounded the occupants, and accomplished his mission." 

Elmer Pendell, First Lieutenant, 120th Infantry, Observer 168th Aero 
Squadron. 
"For extraordinary heroism in action November 4, 1918. As observer in 
a De Haviland 4-plane, he flew an infantry contact mission over the line 
of the 7th Division. Because of exceedingly adverse weather conditions, 
he disi-egarded the danger of fire from the ground and crossed tlie lines at 
1,000 feet altitude. While thus flying he was wounded in the shoulder by 
an explosive bullet fired from the ground. Disregarding his wound, he 
came down to an altitude as low as 500 feet. After securing the desired 
information, he wrote out his message with great effort and dropped it to 
the Division." 



42 Official Histoky of the 120th Infantry 

James W. Hudnall, Sergeant, Company "G," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. After being twice wounded, Sergeant Hudnall continued to lead 
his platoon in attack, capturing two machine guns. In later action he 
received additional wounds wliich caused his death." 

Robert R. Rascoe, Sergeant, Sanitary Detachment, 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Becquigny, France, Octol)er 10, 
1918. Going forward to establish an aid post. Sergeant Rascoe, finding 
that the advance had already started, took his position in the front line, 
and, exposed to terrific fire, cared for the wounded vmtil the medical depart- 
ment was brought up. Later, while bringing up rations, he encountered 
shell-fire, and, although wounded and knocked down, he quickly regained 
his feet and completed his mission." 

Jesse Lunsford, Corporal, Company "G," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. He attacked, single handed, a machine-gun post from wliich a 
destructive fire was being directed against his company. While lie was 
approaching the nest the machine gun shot the butt off his rifle and cut a 
hole in his breeches, but he succeeded in getting close enough to the nest 
to throw four hand grenades into it and then killed the gunner with his 
bayonet." 

Edgar L. Cox, Private, First Class, Machine Gun Company, 120th Infantry. 
"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. With five other soldiers Private Cox succeeded in breaking up 
three machine-gun nests and capturing eight prisoners under heavy artillery 
and machine-gun fire. After his platoon had reached its objective he and 
four others volunteered and made a reconnaissance, 600 yards in front of 
the line, to make sure that the valley beyond was clear of the enemy. 
Private Cox has since lieen killed in action." 

Lewis K. Fowler, Private, First Class, Company "B," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Busigny, France, October 
19, 1918. He remained at his post, covering the withdrawal of his company 
with his automatic rifle, in order that the company might take up a better 
position. He was instantly killed while in the performance of this 
mission." 

Ernest Hyman, Private, Machine Gun Compan}^ 120tli Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. Becoming separated from his organization in the smoke and fog, 
Private Hyman joined another soldier and was instrumental in breaking 
up three machine-gun nests and capturing four prisoners. After reaching 
the objective he volunteered and accompanied a reconnaissance patrol 600 
yards beyond the line to the enemy. He has since been killed in action." 



Official Histoky of the 120th Ixfantry 43 

Henry A. Strobel, Private, Company "D," 120tli Infantry. 

•'For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. With eight other soldiers, comprising the company headquarters 
detachment, Private Strobel assisted his company commander in cleaning 
out enemy dugouts along tlie canal and capturing 242 prisoners." 

Harvey S. Hester, First Lieutenant, 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Vavix Andigny, France, 
October 10, 1918. Although severely wounded in the back by shrapnel, 
he led his platoon forward, covering a fianlc of his battalion, which was 
exposed to heavy enemy fire." 

Edgar S. W. Draughox, Private, Sanitary Detachment, 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near St. Quentin, France, Septem- 
ber 29 to October 20, 1918. Throughout this period Private Draughon 
labored iniceasingly in evacuating the wounded from the front lines to the 
battalion aid post. On October 19th, with complete disregard for his 
personal safety, he advanced under heavy shell and machine-gun fire beyond 
the front line, rendered first aid to a wounded officer, and assisted him 
to the rear." 

Oliver Robinson, Sergeant, Company "A," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Vaux Andigny, France, 
October 10, 1918. Although severely wounded, he displayed remarkable 
coolness in extricating his platoon from an extremely dangerous position 
under terrific shell and machine-gun fire, thereby saving it from almost 
certain annihilation. Being wounded a second time, he refused to go to 
the rear until ordered to do so by his company commander." 

Louis E. Johnston, Corporal, ^Machine Gun Company, 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Mazinghien, France, October 
18-19, 1918. When his platoon became separated from the battalion to 
which it was attached Corporal Johnston proceeded under heavy shell-fire 
along a road with wliich he was unfamiliar and established liaison with 
his battalion." 

Carlton Stephenson, Corporal, Company '"B," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Catillon, France, October 18. 
1918. Severely wounded, he remained with his automatic rifle section in 
an exposed position, covering the withdrawal of his company. Although 
almost surrounded, he inflicted severe losses on the enemy and held his 
position throughout the day." 

Henry E. Zax, Corporal, Company "B," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Vaux Andigny, France, 
October 11, 1918. Having been sent on a dangerous liaison patrol, he was 
severely wounded soon after he had located the unit, on the right of his 



44 Official History of the 120th Ixfantry 

own. He nevertheless went foi-\vard to battalion headquarters imme- 
diately after securing first aid, and made a complete report to his battalion 
commander before going to the rear." 

Zona McKiddy, Private, Machine Gun Company, 120th Infantry. 

•'For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. When his platoon had suffered heavy casualties and the runners 
had been killed by heavy artillery fire, Private McKiddy volunteered to 
carry a message, calling for reinforcements. Making his way through a 
dense smoke barrage, he succeeded in reaching company headquarters and 
returning, despite the intense Ijomltardment." 

George L. Wiles, Private, Machine Gun Company, 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. After his own gun had been knocked out, he assisted another 
soldier in breaking up an enemy machine-gun nest and turning the captured 
gun on the enemy, firing about a thousand rounds. When this gun jammed 
he procured grenades and the rifle of a dead soldier and continued on to 
the objective." 

Bradlfa- Lawson, Private, First Class, Machine Gun Company, 120th 
Infantry. 
"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. Having been wounded by a bursting shell immediately after the 
opening of the attack, he refused to go to the rear, but remained with his 
corporal, who had been severely wounded by the same shell. For two hours, 
under an intense enemy barrage, he continued to minister to his wounded 
comrade until another shell burst near-by, by which he was fatally 
wounded." 

John B. May, Jr., Captain, 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, Septemljer 
29, 1918. Captain May with eight other soldiers, comprising his company 
headquarters detachment, cleaned out enemy dugouts along the banks of a 
canal, capturing 242 prisoners." 

Edward T. Fogo, First Lieutenant, Company "C," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near La Selle River, France, 
October 18, 1918. When his company had received orders to advance 
from the front line, he, then in command, led the company to its objective, 
despite severe wounds he had received prior to the start of the attack. He 
refused tratment until the mission was complete, when he went to the 
dressing station. He returned as soon as possible and remained with his 
company during the entire operations." 

Joseph N. Robertson, First Sergeant, Company "D," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29 1918. With eight other soldiers, comprising the company headquarters 



Official History of tpie 120th Infantry 45 

detachment, he assisted his company commander in cleaning out enemy 
dugouts along a canal and capturing 242 prisoners." 

Robert P. Cook, Sergeant, Company "G," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. When his platoon was held up by machine-gun fire during an 
advance, although suffering from a painful machine-gun bullet wound in 
the hand, he personally killed the gunner and put the gun out of action, 
thus permitting the further advance of his platoon." 

John H. Gill, Sergeant, Headquarters Company, 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. After being twice wounded during the attack, Sergeant Gill, 
with his trench mortar section men, who had become lost from other com- 
panies, and stragglers, attacked a strong machine-gun position at the 
junction of the tunnel and canal and was wounded the third time. During 
the attack he was wounded in thirteen places by machine-gun bullets and 
shrapnel, but continued the attack with the utmost coolness and bravery." 

Walter S. Kokn, Sergeant, Company "G," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. He continued to lead his platoon in attack on the Hindenburg 
Line after he had received a wound from shrapnel. He was later knocked 
down by a rock thrown by a shell explosion, twice more wounded by 
shrapnel, but continued to lead his platoon until he received a severe 
wound, which necessitated his evacuation. He personally captured two 
prisoners in the attack." 

Willie Higsox, Corporal, Company "C," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. He showed extraordinary heroism and courage in leading men 
tmder heavy shrapnel and enfilading machine-gun fire during the attack 
on the Hindenburg Line. During a temporary halt he acted as runner 
thmngh this fire and attempted to return after being severely wounded." 

John W. Berryhill, Private, First Class, Company "D," 120th Infantry. 
''Tor extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. With eight other soldiers, comprising the company headquarters 
detp<;hment, he assisted his company commander in cleaning out enemy 
dugouts along a canal and capturing 242 prisoners." 

Alvin O. Bridges, Private, First Class, Company "D," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. With eight other soldiers, comprising the company headquarters 
detachment, he assisted his company commander in cleaning out enemy 
dugouts along a canal and capturing 242 prisoners." 



46 Official History of the 120th Ixfaxtry 

William L. Clark, Private, First Class, Company "D," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. With eight other soldiers, comprising the company headquarters 
detachment, he assisted his company commander in cleaning out enemy 
dugouts along a canal and capturing 242 prisoners." 

James Lake, Private, Company "B," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. W'ith eight other soldiers, comprising the company headquarters 
detachment. Private Lake assisted his company commander in cleaning 
out enemy dugouts along a canal and capturing 242 prisoners." 

William B. Lyerly, Private, Company "D," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. With eight other soldiers, comprising the company headquarters 
detachment, he assisted his company commander in cleaning out enemy 
dugouts along a canal and capturing 242 prisoners.'" 

Ollie Pope, Private, Company "C," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action between St. Quentin and Cambrai. 
France, October 9, 1918. He was wounded in action between St. Quentin 
and Cambrai, France, and, after having his wounds dressed, he was imable 
t(!) locate his company. He returned, however, to the front line, and fought 
throughout the day, locating and returning to his own organization after 
dark." 

George Riggle, Private, Company "D," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicovirt, France, September 
29, 1918. With eight other soldiers, comprising the company headquarters 
detachment, he assisted his company commander in cleaning out enemy 
dugouts along a canal and capturing 242 prisoners." 

Herman S. Seibel, Private, Company "D," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. With eight other soldiers, comprising the company headquarters 
detachment, he assisted his company commander in cleaning out enemy 
dugouts along a canal and capturing 242 prisoners." 

Harvey H. Shiveli', Private, 2nd Battalion, Intelligence Section, 120th 
Infantry. 
"For repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, 
France, September 29, 1918, and near Becquigny, France, October 9, 1918. 
Near Bellicourt, Private Shively, with an Australian soldier, captured 
42 of the enemy, including two officers. On October 9th, near Becquigny, he 
accompanied another soldier in penetrating the enemy's outpost line and 
captured two enemy machine gunners, putting the gun out of action." 



Official Histoky of the 120th Ixfaxtry i7 

Herbert L. Mays, Sergeant, Company "G," 120tli Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. Sergeant jNIays, with one other soldier, attacked a machine-gun 
post which was causing much damage. They captured the post, taking 
prisoner one officer and eight men, and put the gun out of action." 

WiL-sox D. Brookshire, Private, Company "G," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. Private Brookshire, with one other soldier, attacked a machine- 
gun post whicli was causing much damage. They captured the post, taking 
prisoner one officer and eight men, and put the machine gun out of action." 

Elljah a. Capps, Private, Company "G," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. In the face of heavy machine-gim fire. Private Capps, with two 
other soldiers, attacked and put out of action an enemy machine-gun post, 
capturing a German officer and three soldiers." 

Johnnie Lamm, Private, Company "G," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. In the face of heavy machine-gun fire, Private Lamm, with two 
other soldiers, attacked and put oiit of action an enemy machine-gun post, 
capturing a German officer and three soldiers." 

Dewie H. Lawhorne, Private, Company "G," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. In the face of heavy machine-gun fire, Private Lawhorne, with two 
other soldiers, attacked and put out of action an enemy machine-gun post, 
captviring a German officer and three soldiers." 

Graham W. Harris, Sergeant, Machine Gun Company, 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. Becoming separated from his platoon in the dense smoke and 
fog with five other soldiers. Sergeant Harris kept his men together and 
continued the advance under heavy artillery and machine-gun fine. L'pon 
reaching the objective he made a personal reconnaissance 600 yards to the 
front, capturing several prisoners, and assisting in breaking up three 
machine-gun nests. He remained in this advanced position imtil he was 
ordered back." 

\YiLi.iAM H. Powell, Sergeant, Machine Gun Company, 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1018. Sergeant Powell, then a private, took charge of four other 
soldiers who had become separated from their platoon and led them forward 
toward the objective. Attacking a machine-gun nest, they captured seven 
prisoners and a Maxim gun, which they immediately put into action and 
fired 2,<)00 rounds at the enemy. They then continued to advance under 
heavy artillery and machine-gun fire." 



48 Official History of the 120th Infantry 

Charles W. Thompson, Sergeant, Machine Gun Company, 120th Infantry. 
"For extraordinary heroism in action near Vaux Andigny. France, 
October 11, 1918. When his machine-gun position on the flank of the line 
became untenable, he crawled 20 yards in front of the position and opened 
fire with his rifle, covering the withdrawal of the crew and thereby saving 
both gun and crew from capture." 

Andrew Irrgang, Corporal, Machine Gun Company, 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. After he had become separated from the rest of the platoon, 
Corporal Irrgang kept his squad together and broke up a machine-gun post, 
capturing the gunners and the gun. As his own gun had become disabled, 
he turned the captured gun around and fired 1,000 rounds from it, covering 
the advance of the infantry. He then continued to lead his squad forward 
under terrific artillery and machine-gun fire." 

David H. Lovelace, Private, Machine Gun Company, TZOth Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. His left arm having been rendered useless by a shrapnel wound. 
Private Lovelace continued to carry ammunition with his other arm until 
the objective was reached, when, against his protests, he was ordered to the 
rear for medical treatment." 

Archie Riddic, Private, Company "F," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Vaux Andigny, France, 
October 19, 1918. When the position of his company had become imtenable 
because of enemy machine-gun and artillery fire. Private Riddic, with 
another soldier, the sole survivors of a Lewis machine-gun team, covered 
the retreat of their company. Clinging to their advance post throughout 
the day, they took up the advance with the company at dusk that evening." 

Gilbert D. Short, Private, Company "F," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary lieroism in action near Vaux Andigny, France, 
October 19, 1918. When the position of his company had become untenable 
because of enemy machine-gun and artillery fire, Private Short, with 
another soldier, the sole survivors of a Lewis machine-gun team, covered 
the retreat of their company. Clinging to their advanced post throughout 
the day, they took up the advance with the company at dusk that evening." 

Clyde Shelton, Sergeant, Company "L," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near ^lazinghien. France. October 
19, 1918. Sergeant Shelton, who was in command of a jjlatoon, was ordered 
to post an automatic rifle so as to protect the right flank of his battalion, 
and in order to do this it was necessary to advance his line beyond a hedge 
and wire fence. Halting his platoon, he went forward himself, and under 
heavy fire, in clear view of the enemy, he cut an opening in the barrier. 
His courageous act permitted a patrol to pass through, and the line was 
subsequently established with a minimum of casualties." 



Official Histohy of the 120th Infaktky 4i) 

John A. Crafts, Private, Company "C," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. After being wounded in the right arm to such an extent that he 
«ould not continue his duties as stretcher-l)earer, and after being ordered 
back for treatment, Private Crafts continued througliout tlie day and 
night, luider heavy sliell-fire, to assist such wounded as were able to walk." 

John C. Byrum, First Sergeant, Company "E," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. Although he was wounded at the very start of the attack, 
Sergeant Byrum continued witla the advance, reorganizing scattered units 
and leading them back to the line. Later his arm was shot off, but he 
steadfastly refused evacuation until loss of blood so weakened him that he 
was taken to the rear." 

Pete McCoy, Private, Company "B," 120th Infantry. 

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 
29, 1918. Unexpectedly encountering seven of the enemy, Private McCoy, 
single-handed, killed them all with his bayonet and a hand grenade. As a 
result of tliis feat lie cai)tured four hostile machine-gun emplacements and 
took seventeen prisoners out of a dugout near-by. Upon advancing farther 
he found a wounded officer, whom he sent to the rear in cliarge of another 
soldier, and continued on to the olijective. Home address: Harrison McCoy 
(father), Thomas, Ky." 

^YILT,IAM M. Wallace (Serial No. 13203.30), Private, First Class, Com- 
pany "E," 120th Infantry. 
"For extraordinary heroism in action near Mazinghien, France, October 
19, 1918. With another soldier. Private Wallace volunteered and rescued 
a wounded comrade from an exposed position in front of the line, after two 
other men had lost their lives in attempting to do so. Home address : 
Mrs. Mary Wallace (mother), Othello, N. C." 

James R. Williams (Serial No. 2002920), Private, First Class, Company 
"E," 120th Infantry. 
"For extraordinary heroism in action iiear Mazinghien, France, October 
19, 1918. With another soldier, Private Williams volunteered and rescued 
a wounded comrade from an exposed position in front of the line after two 
other men had lost their lives in attempting to do so. Home address: 
Richard E. Williams (father), Peytonburg, Ky." 



APPEN"DIX "D" 

Eoster of officers 120th Infantry, showing names, rank, nnit to 
which attached or assigned, with rank since Eegiment was called 
into service, and known address. 



50 Official Hi.stouy of the ISOtii Infantry 

COLONELS 

L Minor, Sidney W "Durham, N. C. 

2. Scott, Don K. (('apt. Adj., Major 1st Bn., Lt.-Col.) . . .Graham, N. C. 

3. Cochran, ^\'illiam B U. S. A. 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL 

4. McGhee, Claude L Franklinton, N. C. 



MAJORS 

5. Boddie, Samuel P. (Capt. "D" Co., Major 3rd Bn., ^vounded in 

action ) Louisburg, N. C. 

6. Comstock, Hilliard (Major 2nd Bn.) Santa Rosa, Cal. 

7. Barnard, J. J. (Major 1st Bn.) Raleigh, N. C. 

8. Graham, William A. (Capt. "H" Co., Major 2nd Bn.), 

Warrenton, N. C. 

9. Jenkins, James W. (Capt. "C" Co., Major 3rd Bn.), Henderson, N. C. 

10. Leonard, James A. (Capt. "A" Co., Major 1st Bn.) . .Lexington, N. C. 

11. McCullen, Alpheus (Chaplain) Durham, N. C. 

12. Newby, Carleton H. (Capt. "L" Co., Major in States), 

Thomasville, N. C. 

13. McClintock, Charles A. (Major 3rd Bn.), 

f)407 5th Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 

14. Phillips, Wade H. (Major 3rd Bn.) Lexington, N. C. 

1,'5. Walker, John O. (2nd Lt. "G" Co., 1st Lt. Hdqs. Co., Capt. 

Operations, Major 2nd Bn. ) Lynchburg, Va. 

16. Winston, Abram R. (Major M. C.) Franklinton, N. C. 

CAPTAINS 

17. Beck, Hampton S. (1st Lt. & Capt. "E" Co.) . . .Winston-Salem, N. C. 

15. Byrd, Thomas B. (2nd Lt. & 1st Lt. "H" Co., Capt. "G" Co.), 

Winchester, Va. 
111. Burgess, Milo D. (2nd Lt. & 1st Lt. "F" Co., Capt. "H" Co., 

wounded in action) Maiden Rock, Wis. 

20. Boyson, Charles C. (Capt. "H" Co.) Unknown 

21. Brennan, Arthur W. (Capt. M. C.) ... 117 Snyder St., Syracuse, N. Y. 

22. Buchannan, Sidney E. (Capt. M. C.) Concord, N. C. 

23. Cooke, George L. (1st Lt. Adj. 2nd Bn., Capt. Personnel Adj.), 

Franklinton, N. C. 

24. Clark, Walter, Jr. (Capt. "B" Co.) Raleigh, N. C. 

25. Craft, James C. (Capt. "D" Co.) 4 W. 33rd St., New York City 

26. Chapman, Henry R. (Capt. "F" Co., killed in action), 

28 Rider Ave., Potchange, N. Y. 

27. Copeland, William V. (1st Lt. & Capt. "I" Co., wounded in action), 

Burlington, N. C. 



Official Histoey of the 120th Infantry 51 

28. Carter. Paul C. (1st Lt. & Capt. M. C.) Holly Springs, N. C. 

29. Dickens, All)ert O. (2nd Lt. & ('apt. Adj.) Louislmrg, N. C. 

:!0. DeMalignon, Harry R. (Capt. M. C. Co.) Aberdeen, S. Dak. 

:!1. Dixon, Ben F. (Capt. "K" Co., killed in action) Raleigh, N. C. 

32. Fauntleroy, Thomas (Capt. Hdcjs. Co.) Memphis, Tenn. 

33. Fuller, Elbert E. (Capt. "E" Co.) Oxford, N. C. 

34. Freeman, James C. (Capt. "1" Co.) Burlington, N. C. 

35. Fenner, Edwin (Capt. "M" Co.) Henderson, N. C. 

36. Huflfman, George L. (Capt. "K" Co.) Hickory, N. C. 

37. Jarvis, Culcus (Capt. "F" Co.) Wilksboro, N. C. 

38. Kearney, Isaac H. (Capt. "F" Co.) Franklinton. N. C. 

39. Lumsden, Charles F. (Capt. M. G. Co.) Raleigh, N. C. 

40. Morrison, William L. (Capt. "B" Co.) Unknown 

41. Mayes, John B. (1st Lt. M. G. & "D" Co., Capt. "D" Co.), 

Stem, N. C. 

42. Muldrow, Elmer (Capt. "F" Co.) Florence, S. C. 

43. Murray, Edwin J. (Capt. "E" Co.) Niagara Falls, N. Y. 

44. Mobley, James H. ( 1st Lt. & Capt. "G" Co.) Reidsville, N. C. 

45. Millner, Wallace B. (Capt. "G" Co.) Reidsville, N. C. 

46. Poorman, Arthur G. (1st Lt. "A" & "E" Cos., Capt. "A" & "E" 

Cos., Avounded in action ) Marshall, 111. 

47. Price, Edward C. (Capt. "H" Co.) Warrenton, N. C. 

48. Page, Walter E. ( Capt. "M" Co. ) Durham, N. C. 

49. Powell, Claude M. (1st Lt. "M" Co., Capt. in States), 

West Durham, N. C. 

50. Ray, Carl L. (Capt. Hdqs. & "E" Cos.) Brownsville, Texas 

51. Rau, John F. ( Capt. "C" Co. ) Seattle, Wash. 

52. St. John, Frank L. (1st Lt. "M" Co. & R. I. O., Capt. "M" Co., 

wounded in action) Johnson City, Tenn. 

53. Sams, Ferrol A. (2nd Lt. "B" Co., 1st Lt. "A" Co., Capt. "B" 

Co., wounded in action) Woosley, Ga. 

54. Steggall, James I. (1st Lt. "E" Co., Capt. in States) . .Oxford, N. C. 

55. Stone, Wallace B. (1st Lt. & Capt. "L" Co.) Thomasville, N. C. 

56. Wooten, James G. (Capt. Hdqs. Co.) Winston-Salem, N. C. 

57. Eastman, H. H. (Capt. Operations) Vermont 

58. Winston, Stephen E. (Capt. Supply Co.) Youngsville, N. C. 

59. Williams, John F. (2nd Lt., 1st Lt. & Capt. "B" Co., wounded 

in action ) Charlotte, N. C. 

60. Whitfield, James E. (Capt. "F" Co.) Franklinton, N. C. 

61. Young, Robert C. (1st Lt. Adj. 1st Bn., Capt. "I" Co., wounded 

in action ) Swannanoa, N. C. 

62. Zimpleman, Albert N. (2nd Lt., 1st Lt. & Capt. Supply Co., 

3541 Perdue St., Cincinnati, Ohio 

63. \\ovshani, Adolplms E. (Capt. 1). C.) Ruffin, N. C. 



52 Official History of the 120th Infantry 

EIRST LIEUTENANTS 

(14. Aughtry, Paul C. ("B" Co.) I.ykeslaiul, S. ('. 

Bf). Bryan, Robert E. (2nd Lt. "C" Co., 1st Lt. Supply Co.), 

Henderson, N. C. 

66. Bunch, Henry C. (2nd & 15tli J.l. lldcis. Co.), 

2119 E. Vine St., Knoxville, Tenn. 

67. Burrow, Lyle ("F" Co. & A. D. C, wounded in action) , Bristol, Tenn. 

68. Boliannon, Shirley D. ("G" Co., killed in action) ...Nashville, Tenn. 

69. Boyd, Gordon ("B" Co., killed in action) New York City 

70. Boddie, Sterling G. ("C" Co.) Henderson, N. C. 

71. Bing, Arden E. ("B" & "C" Cos., wounded in action). West Virginia 

72. Buckley, John W. ("A" & "D" Cos.) ^Yashington, D. C. 

73. Clark, Fred E. C'lM" Co., died of wounds) Chicago, 111. 

74. Cecil, Joe K. ("A" Co.) Lexington, N. C. 

75. Cox, Alfred R. ("G" Co.) Ashboro, N. C. 

76. Dickens, Sammie W. (2nd Lt. ^'D" Co., Asst. Lt. Adj. 3rd Bn.), 

Enfield, N. C. 

77. Dayton, Julian (2nd Lt. "D" Co., Hdqs. Co.) Memphis, Tenn. 

78. Dixon, Wright T. (M. G. Co.) Raleigh, N. C. 

79. Ellington, James M. (2nd & 1st Lt. "E" Co., wounded in action), 

Oxford, N. C. 

80. Edwards, Emmett M. ("F" C.) Franklinton, N. C. 

81. Ellis, Lewis C. (Hdqs. Co.) Grover, N. C. 

82. Everett, Albert D. (Hdqs. & "G" Cos.) Nashville, Tenn. 

83. Francis, Hugh H. ("G" Co. & Bn., I. 0., wounded in action), 

Bloomer, Wis. 

84. Fogo, Edward T. ("C" Co., wovmded in action), 

720 Broadway, Wellsville, Ohio 

85. Freeland, Robert C. (2nd & 1st Lt. "F" Co.) Bahama, N. C. 

86. Fox, William F. ("K" Co., wounded in action) Unknown 

87. Earnhardt, Raymond P. (2nd & 1st Lt. "A" Co.) . . .Lexington, N. C. 

88. Gilliland, Frank M. (Hdqs. Co.) . .313 S. Pauline St., Memphis, Tenn. 

89. Gillespie, Gordon (2nd Lt. "D" Co., 1st Lt. M. G. & "L" Cos., 

killed in action ) Greenwood, Miss. 

90. Glover, Gary I. (2nd Lt. M. G. Co., 1st Lt. "L" Co.), 

Roanoke Rapids, N. C. 

91. Gross, H. A. (M. G. Co., killed by accident) Unknown 

92. Goss, Edward C. ("M" Co.) Winchester, Va. 

93. Hervey, Henry J.' (Adj. 3rd Bn. & Supply Co.) Raleigh, N. C. 

94. Heald, Thomas J. (2nd & 1st Lt. Co. "E," Adj. 2nd Bn.), 

Washington, D. C. 

95. Harvey, Alfred (2nd & 1st Lt. "F" Co., Bn. I. 0., killed in action), 

Radford, Va. 

96. Honeycutt, Adolph ( "M" Co. ) Durham, N. C. 

97. Harrison, Ralph W. (2nd Lt. "C" Co., 1st Lt. "B" & "C" Cos.), 

SO Prospect St., East Orange, N. J. 



Official History of the 120th Infantry 53 

98. Harris, Georpc M. (2nd & 1st Lt. "C" Co., woiindod in action), 

Henderson, N. ('. 

99. Holliday, Floyd T. (JNI. G. Co. ) Gary, Ind. 

100. Hester, Harvey S. (2nd Lt. "F" Co., 1st Lt. "A" & "B" Cos., 

wounded in action) Asheville, N. C. 

lOL Hardy, Marvin W. (2nd & 1st Lt. "H" Cos.) Norlina, N. C. 

102. Hamilton, John W. ("H" Co., wounded in action) . .Pleasanton, Kan. 

103. Homsher, Leroy P. ("I" & "M" Cos., died of disease). 

Box 1351, Tulsa, Okla. 

104. Huntzinger, Frank E. ("I" & "E" Cos., killed in action), 

Nobleville, Ind. 

105. Hendley, J. Helmis ("E" Co.) Columbia, S. C. 

106. Juden, Lewis K. ("D" Co., Bn. I. O., Regt. I. O., died from gas), 

2207 & 17th St., Oklahoma City, Okla. 

107. Jennings, Robert E. ("G" Co.) Orangeburg, S. C. 

108. Gant, Minter (2nd & 1st Lt. "D" Co., wounded in action), 

Columbia, Tenn. 

109. Grey, Ben H. (2nd Lt. "D" Co., 1st Lt. in States), 

Winston-Salem, N. C. 

110. Gardner, Lewis W. ("D" Co.) Statesville, N. C. 

111. Gold, Thomas B. (M. C.) Shelby, N. C. 

112. Kirkman, Hugh C. ("D" Co.) Hermitage Club, Knoxville, Tenn. 

113. Keith, Marshall J. ("L" Co., wounded in action) Unknown 

114. Kennedy, Henry B. ("M" Co.) Camden, S. C. 

115. Lovett, Clarence J. (2nd & 1st Lt. "K" Co., Bn. I. C), 

Ashboro, N. C. 

116. Lindsay, Evans W. ("G" & "H" Cos.) Richmond, Va. 

117. Limer, Archibald W. (2nd & 1st Lt. "H" Co., killed in action), 

Afton, N. C. 

118. Loomis, Stanley D. (2nd & 1st Lt. "I" Co., wounded in action), 

Messhopin, Pa. 

119. Luck, Everett J. ( "K" Co. ) Ashboro, N. C. 

120. Landis, William T. (2nd Lt. "E" Co., 1st Lt. "K" Co., wounded 

in action ) Oxford, N. C. 

121. Little, Robert O. (2nd & 1st Lt. "L" Co., gassed), Thomasville, N. C. 

122. Long, Frank M. ( "L" Co. ) Unknown 

123. Moore, Carlton R. (2nd & 1st Lt. "G" Co., wounded in action), 

Richmond, Va. 

124. Mason, Elmer B. (2nd & 1st Lt. "K" Co., wounded in action), 

Yale Club, New York City 

125. Marshall, Thomas B. ("L" Co., wounded in action) ..Columbia, S. C. 
126 McCullen, William L. (2nd & 1st Lt. "H" Co., killed in action), 

Durham, N. C. 

127. McConnell, Fred Y. (2nd Lt. "A" Co., 1st Lt. "E" Co., killed in 

action ) Concord, N. C. 

128. McCaskey, Clare P. ("L" & "K" Cos., killed in action) . .Chicago, 111. 
.129. McMichael, John ("C" Co.) New Jersey 



54 Official History of the r20Tii Txfaxtry 

i:50. McRae, Donald C. (2nd Lt. "L" & M. G. Cos., 1st Lt. in States), 

Tliomasville, N. C. 
181. McGeacliey, Eohert S. (^I. C.) Kaleigh, N. C. 

132. McKay, William P. (M. C.) Red SiJiiugs, N. C. 

133. Nolen, Beverly T. (M. C.) Franklin, Tenn. 

134. Perry, Charles W. (2nd Lt. "M" Co., 1st Lt. Adj. 1st Bn.), 

Durham, N. C. 

135. Prohst, William L. (2nd Lt. "A" Co., 1st Lt. Bn. I. O.), 

Lexington, N. C. 

136. Pouch, Harold E. (''E" Co., killed in action) New York 

137. Parish, Edward B. ("B" Co.) Raleigh, N. C. 

138. Pindell, Elmer (2nd Lt. "B" Co., 1st Lt. "F" & "L" Cos.) . .Unknown 
130. Richards, Charles O. (2nd & 1st Lt. "A" Co., wounded in action), 

Little Rock, Ark. 

140. Richardson, William B. ("G" Co.) Reidsville, N. C. 

141. Ricks, Garland A. ("D" Co.) Louislmrg, X. C. 

142. Peters, Hugh L. ( "D" Co. ) Knoxville, Tenn. 

143. Phillips, Hubert L. (M. C.) Clifton, Tenn. 

144. Stanley, William L. (M. C.) Yantley, Ala. 

145. Scott, Walter W. (M. C.) Jackson, Miss. 

146. Sturdavant, James N. (M. C.) Marshville, N. C. 

147. Topping, Howard E. (D. C.) Roanoke, Va. 

1 48. Smith, Wilbert L. ( "D" Co. ) Unknown 

149. Sparrow, Evans C. (2nd & 1st Lt. "M" Co.) Lowell, N. C. 

150. Swann, Nathaniel H. ("M" Co.) Pelham, N. C. 

151. Toy, Harry S. (M. G. Co.) Chicago, 111. 

152. Taylor, Hames A. (2nd & 1st Lt. "E" Co., D. A. O., R. I. O.), 

Oxford, N. C. 

153. Vantubergen, Elmer D. (2nd & 1st Lt. "A" Co.) . .East Orange, N. J. 

154. Veach, Milton W. (2nd & 1st Lt. "1" Co.) Tliomasville, N. C. 

155. Walker, Hal W. (2nd & 1st Lt. -K" Co., wounded in action), 

Ashboro, N. C. 

156. Wilson, Rufus D. (2nd & 1st Lt. "I" Co., wounded in action), 

Burlington, N. C. 

157. Woolford, Henry E. ("D" Co., died of woimds), 

119 S. Washington St., Green Bay, Wis. 

1 58. Williams, Clyde P. ( "D" Co. ) Fulton, Ky. 

159. Wilson, Russell B. (M. C. ) Gates, Tenn. 

SECOND LlEl'TENANTS 

160. Ailor, Thurman (Hdqs. Co.) Sugginsville, Tenn. 

Kil. Anderson, Edgar M. (Supply Co.) Unknown 

162. Bigelow, Lee H. ("G" Co.) Columbus, Ohio 

163. Brisl)ine, Dawes E. ("H" Co.) Spooner, Wis. 

164. Boston, John R. ("K" & "I" Cos., wounded in action) . .Chicago, 111. 

165. Blanknik, Clarence (M. G. & "H" Cos.) Lena, Wis. 



Official Histoi;v of the 12()tii Infantry 55 

166. Bogar, Basil E. ("E" Co.) Creaton, Iowa 

167. Belville, Eugene ("F" Co.) St. Louis, Mo. 

168. Blackley, Walter G. ("F" Co.) Riclimond, Va. 

169. Brown, Carrol H. ("F" Co.) Luling, Texas 

170. Berry. Paul B. ( "A" Co. ) Saginaw, Midi. 

171. Bull, Frank H. ("A" Co.) Brooklyn, N. Y. 

172. Blackmon, King H. ("M" Co.) Timpson, Texas 

173. Cane, Charles S. -("B" & "D" Cos.) Alexander, Nel). 

174. Couch, William A. ("M" Co.) Durham, N. C. 

175. Carpenter, Earl W. ("I" Co.) Guide Eock, Neh. 

176. Culbert, Daniel C. ("D" & "L" Cos., killed in action), 

Thomasville, N. C. 

177. Chase, James A. ("L" Co.) Denver, Colo. 

178. Craft, John T. (Hdqs. Co., wounded in action) . .Holly Springs, Miss. 

179. Crawford, Harry A. (Hdqs. Co.) Memphis, Tenn. 

180. Crumblish, William J. (M. G. Co.) Buffalo, N. Y. 

181. Daugherty, George W. ("C" Co.) Laclata, Mo. 

182. Disney, Albert B. ("L" Co. ) Baltimore, Md. 

183. Donovan, Percy J. ("E" & "H" Cos.) Detroit, Mich. 

184. Eggert, Leslie F. ("L" Co.. wounded in action) Unknown 

185. Edwards, Evans ("G" & Supply Cos.), 

3809 Chatham Road, Baltimore, Md. 

186. Flippen. Erie B. (Hdqs. Co.) Memphis, Tenn. 

187. Freistead, Willis D. ("F" Co., wounded in action), 

2906 Sheridan Road, Chicago, 111. 

188. Green, Andrew H. ("F" Co., Act. Adj. 2nd Bn., wounded in action), 

Raleigh, N. C. 

189. Gravenskemper, Charles W. ("G" & Hdqs. Co. ).... Cincinnati, Ohio 

190. Gallishaw, John ("F" Co., Act. Adj. 2nd Bn., wounded with B. A.), 

Chauncey St., Camhridge, Mass. 

191. Hummil, Leslie R. (M. G. Co.) Wilmington, N. C. 

192. Hoefer, John J. ("E" Co.) Elmira, N. Y. 

193. Holmes, Harold J. ("F" & "I" Cos.) Franklinton, N. C. 

194. Hundley, Robert G. ("F" Co.) Farmville, Va. 

195. .Tames, Thomas J. ("B" Co., killed in action) Ferguson, N. C. 

1 96. Loudon, Roy V. ( Hdqs. Co. ) Denver, Colo. 

197. Mackin, James G. ("L" Co.) Montrose, Pa. 

198. Mitchell, Robert L. ("M" Co.) Durham, N. C. 

199. Murphy, Robert E. ( "M" Co. ) Unknown 

200. Mitchell, James L. ("G" Co.) Winston-Salem, N. C. 

201. Mason, Joseph T. ("H" Co.) White Station, Tenn. 

202. Miller, Clyde R. (Supply Co.) Scottsdale, Pa. 

203. Morey, Edward J. ("E" Co.) Omaha, Neb. 

204. McNulty, Frank J. (M. G. Co.) Unknown 

205. Oppenheim, Morris C. ( ]M. G. Co. ) Unknown 

206. Portwood, Thomas B. {'SI. G. Co., wounded in action). 

Bell Plains, Kan. 



56 Official Histoky of the 130tii Infantry 

207. Pretlow, Barclay ("E" Co.) Franklin, Va. 

208. Prescott, Oliver W. ("C" & "K" Cos., killed in action), 

1626 N. 6th St., Sheboygan, Wis. 

209. Perrin, James W. ("H" Co.) South Carolina 

210. Parker, William S. (Hdqs. Co.) ...300 Decatur St., Memphis, Tenn. 

211. Quimby, Edward M. ("M" Co.) Wooster, Ohio 

212. Reynolds, DeWitt ("K" Co.) Star, N. C. 

213. Rumble, Lester (M. G. Co. ) Unknown 

214. Robertson, Owen S. ("C" Co., wounded in action) . . .North Carolina 

215. Sharpe, John B. (M. G. Co., wounded in action) . . . .Columbia, Miss. 

216. Shea, Francis R. (M. G. Co.) Pennsylvania 

217. Sly, Henry O. (M. G. Co.) Unknown 

218. Singleton, William C. ("F" Co.) Florence, S. C. 

219. Shaw, John T. ("A" & "H" Cos., wounded by accident), 

Memphis, Tenn. 

220. Snyder, Irving T. ( "M" Co. ) Denver, Colo. 

221. Smith, Dalton E. ("M" Co., killed in action) Trinity, N. C. 

222. Skinner, Dwight L. ( "M" Co. ) Denver, Colo. 

223. Syrup, S. C. ("K" Co.) New York City 

224. Sinclair, Ike A. ("H" Co.) Dyersburg, Tenn. 

225. Taylor, Miner M. ("D" Co.) Rochester, N. Y. 

226. Talcott, Edward ( "C" & "D" Cos. ) New York City 

227. Turner, Thomas H. ("G" Co., wounded in action) . . .Mayodan, N. C. 

228. Sharp, John B. ("L" Co.) Unknown 

229. Underwood, Robert E. ("D" & Supply Cos.) Youngsville, N. C. 

230. Underwood, All)ert F. ( "L" Co. ) Unknown 

231. Weed, Lee H. ("A" & "B" Cos., wounded in action) . .Memphis, Tenn. 

232. Woehlke, William ("K" Co.) Unknown 

233. Worsham, A. D. ("K" Co.) Unknown 

234. Ward, Ervin L. (M. G. Co.) Belvedere, N. C. 

235. Wrenn, William J. (M. G. Co.) Knoxville, Tenn. 

236. Walker, Alfred H. ("M" Co.) Reidsville, N. C. 

237. Whyte, Lincoln D. ( "M" Co., wounded in action ) , 

518 W. 145th St., New York City 

238. Wesson, Lowell T. ("M" Co., first officer killed in action) . .Unknown 

239. Yarborough, Grady R. ("A" Co.) Lexington, N. C. 

CHAPLAINS 

240. McClellan, George H. { 1st Bn. Lt.) New York City 

241. Turner, James (2nd Bn. Lt.) Wake Forest, N. C. 

242. Baker, Arthur G. (3rd Bn. Lt. ) Chicago, 111. 

243. Ritter, Mr. ( Y. M. C. A. ) Unknown 



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